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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. Who is responsible for making up lies about Norris?

2. What finally breaks the tension between the Baron and Norris?

3. Around which subject do the lies revolve?

4. According to Norris, his assistant handles what kind of details?

5. Who was the obvious leader during this event?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator describe Mr. Norris? How do the men meet?

2. Discuss the party planned by Norris and the outcome.

3. Describe at least part of the conversation regarding Norris' financial situation.

4. What are Bradshaw's suspicions about the Switzerland trip? Are they valid suspicions?

5. Who attempts to intercept Norris as he is leaving the city? What prevents the interception?

6. What information was contained in Norris' last postcard to Bradshaw?

7. What was it that made the Baron so upset in regards to Norris?

8. What becomes obvious to Bradshaw over the next few days?

9. Discuss at least one of the things that occurred when Mr. Norris shows Bradshaw the rest of the apartment. What objects are pointed out?

10. What is the offer made to Bradshaw by the Baron? What happens when Bradshaw receives the offer from the Baron?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bradshaw and Norris meet on a train on their way to Berlin. The train is often used as a mode of transportation in literature. Why do you think the train has such a reputation as a meeting place in literature? Name at least three other stories or books that begin with characters meeting for the first time on a train. Do you think that the characters can get to know each other well in such a short period of time? Would the same story evolve if the characters had met on an airplane or bus? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Characters in both novellas express strong support for their political party of choice. How do people on opposing sides maintain friendships? How did Isherwood and Fraulein Schroeder continue an amicable relationship after she devoted herself to the Nazis? What were Isherwood's true opinions? Was he really a Communist or did he show interest only because he was introduced to the concept by Norris? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Sally Bowles was a gold digger. The author states that Sally was a mediocre singer with grand aspirations. As a result, Sally thought it was a good idea to latch onto wealthy men with money. In other words, Sally was looking for a "sugar daddy." Discuss the practice of men and women becoming involved with others in order to take advantage of their wealth and/or position. Does it ever work? Is it illegal or immoral? Would you do it? Did it work out for Sally?

(see the answer keys)

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