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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. Why should survivors' stories be read critically?

2. What were the Sonderkommandos taught?

3. What was Hitler at the time of his death?

4. Which characterized the German spoken in the Lager?

5. What does Levi think about power?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the classic militiamen defense that Eichmann and Hoss used?

2. According to Levi, why do oppressors suppress memories?

3. Explain the concept of "convenient truth."

4. According to Levi, which memories seem to be universal?

5. Why did Alberto change his mind about consoling oneself with illusions?

6. Levi often characterizes survivors as being privileged. What does he mean by this?

7. What is "willed ignorance?"

8. Why does Primo Levi write about his experiences?

9. How do people react to having limited communication?

10. Why does Levi argue that survivors should not feel guilt?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the reasons why prisoners were not able to rebel and overthrow an entire lager. Consider living conditions as well as psychological reasons.

Essay Topic 2

Levi titles Chapter 5 Useless Violence. Do you think that violence can ever be useful? Use examples from the book and your own life to give a rationale for your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Levi's unique relationship with Hety S. How would you characterize this type of relationship?

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