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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 is Mrs. Kloterjahn’s maiden name?

2. How is Mr. Spinell's mood after he hears the news about Gabriele in Chapter 12?

3. Who does Dr. Muller summon to Einfried to see Gabriele?

4. What is Mr. Spinell humming as he walks in Chapter 12?

5. When did Gabriele’s mother die?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the piece of music that Mr. Spinell is so excited to find?

2. Who, according to Mr. Spinell, is to be credited with bringing beauty back into Gabriele’s life?

3. What does Mr. Kloterjahn finally admit was the causes of Gabriele’s illness?

4. How does Mr. Kloterjahn say that he will get even with Mr. Spinell after Mr. Spinell's letter?

5. Why does Dr. Leander transfer Gabriele’s case to Dr. Muller?

6. Why does Mrs. Kloterjahn initially refuse to play piano for Mr. Spinell?

7. What does Dr. Leander recommend as treatment for Gabriele’s worsening condition?

8. What does Dr. Muller recommend in Chapter 9?

9. In Chapter 10, how does Mr. Spinell say that he feels about Mr. Kloterjahn?

10. How does Mr. Spinell ultimately convince Mrs. Kloterjahn to play piano?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As with any author, Mann’s writing drew on his own life and experiences. What experiences did Mann live through that may have had an influence on his writing?

Essay Topic 2

Thomas Mann had a very distinct style that included the use of parataxis. Why did he choose to write in a long-winded manner? Was he a precise writer? Why or why not? Did the fact that he wrote in German have anything to do with his use of parataxis? What advantages and disadvantages does the use of parataxis hold for the writer? What advantages and disadvantages does its use hold for the reader?

Essay Topic 3

Wagner’s opera Tristan und Isolde plays an important role in the novella, as does music in general.Why did Mann choose this particular musical piece for the climactic scene in the novella? What does it add to the story? How do the piece, and the climactic scene in general, shape Mr. Spinell’s relationship with Gabriele Kloterjahn? Why is music so important in the novella?

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