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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 the end of 1940 how do Helmuth, Rudi, and Brother Worbs spend New Year's Eve?

2. Where does Gerhard go to boot camp in 1941?

3. In September 1940, where are Helmuth, Rudi, and Karl walking home from?

4. What has Helmuth learned not to do in the mornings after being interrogated by the Gestapo?

5. In 1940 when Gerhard leaves for mandatory Reich Labor Service, where is he stationed?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the interrogation room like when Helmuth is interrogated a second time by the Gestapo?

2. What does Herr Meins say about Helmuth's essay and the topic?

3. How does Helmuth feel as 1940 ends?

4. Where does Gerhard go for his mandatory Reich Labor Service and what does he do?

5. In 1942, what happens at 1:05 p.m. while Helmuth is in his cell?

6. Why does Helmuth get in trouble one September night in 1940?

7. How do the Gestapo agents search Helmuth's grandparents' apartment, and what do they find?

8. When and for what is Helmuth found guilty and what is his sentence?

9. What damage is done in Hamburg when British bombers bomb the city in June 1940?

10. How do Helmuth, Rudi, and Brother Worbs spend New Year's Eve in 1940?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel takes place in Germany during Hitler’s rise to power and World War II. Does the setting serve as a backdrop or does it almost take on the role of a character? How does the setting evoke feelings and set the tone in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Helmuth considers his life as he writes his last letters to his family. Does Helmuth consider that his life had purpose? What purpose does he believe that his life had and why?

Essay Topic 3

Helmuth and his mother sometimes retreat into silence rather than argue. When are some times that Helmuth and his mother retreat into silence? With whom are they most likely to be silent? Why are they silent rather than standing up for what they believe?

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