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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At what time do the people of Berne convene at Kramgasse?

2. In what month is the Prologue set?

3. In the Prologue, how many times does the clock tower chime?

4. According to the narrator, why do "cursed citizens wrestle with their bedsheets"?

5. Who has Besso received a letter from announcing a visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the meeting between the two couples in the 4 May 1905 dream.

2. What do the untidy people of the 11 May 1905 world do in life?

3. At the end of the 26 April 1905 dream, what are the negative effects of living in the mountains?

4. Why do schools close one year before the end of the world?

5. Describe Einstein's appearance at the patent office.

6. Describe the people who live by "bodily time."

7. What happens to travelers as they enter the world described in the 14 May 1905 dream?

8. Why do people in the 26 April 1905 dream choose to live in the mountains?

9. What effect does height have in the 26 April 1905 dream?

10. According to the first Interlude, why is Besso worried about Einstein?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The end of the novel can be very confusing for some readers. Einstein is said to feel empty after giving his theory to the typist.

- For those readers that were confused by this, discuss why this statement is confusing. What makes you confused about the ending? What could have been done to help you understand the reasoning behind the ending?

- For those readers that were not confused by the ending, discuss the ending for you. Why did ending the novel this way bring closure for you? How did this ending make sense for you as a reader?

Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

Essay Topic 2

Answer the following essay question being sure to use at least two examples while fully explaining why the textual evidence is being used:

- What is your favorite dream from "Einstein's Dreams" and why?

Essay Topic 3

Reread the "8 May 1905" dream. Given the similar state of our world today (12-12-12 end of the world), whether you believe that the end of the world coincides with the end of the Mayan calendar, do you believe the movements described in the novel are believable? Why or why not? How do you think the period of time described in the novel should be spent? Why? Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

(see the answer keys)

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