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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. What kind of woman was Ulrich's rescuer?

2. Which of the following countries were close-knit rivals in Chapter 21?

3. What was different about Diotoma compared to many women of her social sphere in Chapter 25?

4. What did the judge state that the defendant did regularly with other people in Chapter 30?

5. Which of the following was affected by the defendant's alleged actions in Chapter 30?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 19, what did Musil say about the effect of the turn of the Century on people?

2. What comparison did Ulrich make between Moosbrugger and his relationship with Bonadea?

3. Why did Musil move back to Austria, and how did that affect his work?

4. Describe Arnheim.

5. What was the rumor about Arnheim in Chapter 26, and how did that reflect fears within the region?

6. Describe Leo Fischel who is mentioned in Chapter 35.

7. What did Arnheim say about the arts in Chapter 40?

8. What did Musil say about morality in Chapter 50?

9. Describe what Clarisse shared about Lucy to Ulrich and Diotima in Chapter 70.

10. Why was Clarisse sad about Walter by Chapter 15 and 16?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Musil employs simple, minimalist, highly-controlled, meticulous yet effective language in contrast with complex language. Both styles employ powerful symbolism. Choose an example of symbolism, briefly describe it, and identify the technique that it embodies.

Essay Topic 2

Power in society is a prevailing theme in The Man Without Qualities. Musil frequently refers to that theme, painting the picture of the monarchy's last days in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the need to preserve order in a shaken world. Which characters appear honest and which appear corrupt. Why? Which characters appear to rise above corruption even if they are initially vulnerable to it? What is your opinion of the society that Musil describes? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Moosbrugger. What is his role in The Man Without Qualities? What was Musil trying to accomplish by creating Moosbrugger's character in the novel?

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