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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 led the narrator to his room after Wertheimer dies?

2. Where does the narrator plan to return to write after Wertheimer's death?

3. Where did Wertheimer's sister sneak to in secret?

4. Why was Wertheimer unable to play the piano with others?

5. Who did the innkeeper travel with to Hirschbach?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how the narrator feels about his depression.

2. Why did the Wertheimer family change?

3. Why did the narrator feel guilty about Wertheimer's death?

4. Describe Wertheimer's funeral.

5. How is the innkeeper a contradictory character?

6. How did Wertheimer end his dying party?

7. How are Traich and Desselbrunn compared?

8. What is significant about the end of "The Loser"?

9. What does the innkeeper mention in regards to Wertheimer's finances?

10. How does the narrator feel about Desselbrunn?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the importance of "Goldberg Variations" and how it serves as an antagonist to Wertheimer and the narrator. Support your statements with examples and quotes from "The Loser."

Essay Topic 2

Discuss how the role of revenge is a part of "The Loser." Who demonstrates acts of revenge and are they effective? Support your statements with examples and quotes from "The Loser."

Essay Topic 3

Explain how the last scene of "The Loser" supports the entire theme and motifs of the novel. Give detailed examples of why Bernhard chose to end his novel the way he does. Support your statements with examples and quotes from "The Loser."

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 630 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample