A Ladder to the Sky Quiz

Take our free A Ladder to the Sky quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

Why does Erich tell Oskar that his painting of Alysse is almost pornographic in nature? (from Part 1: Before the Wall Came Down)

Her pose is highly suggestive and beckons the view to lust after her.

He is worried that Oskar will get caught by the Nazis for painting a naked woman.

He is jealous of the passion that Oskar has captured both in real life and on the canvas.

He thinks that the painting is merely sexual in nature and not very good.

What does it mean that Dash "heard the young man rising in the night as he went about the business of ambition" (115)? (from Interlude: The Swallow's Nest)

Dash heard Maurice head upstairs to the library to read and work.

Dash heard Maurice and Gore talking late into the night.

Dash was aware that Maurice got out of bed to propose a sexual encounter to Gore in hopes of gaining his favor.

Dash heard Maurice working on his novel in his room during the night.

Why does Dash say that Maurice did not need Erich's permission to tell his story? (from Interlude: The Swallow's Nest)

He believes Erich committed a heinous crime and needed to be exposed.

He believes that writers must tell whatever story captures their soul regardless of who might get hurt.

He says that Gore did the same thing with other historical figures, so it should not matter.

He says the book was a work of fiction so it was not really Erich's story anyway.

Why is Maurice so put off by Garrett Colby's stories about talking animals? (from Part 2: The Tribesman)

He just thinks Garrett is obnoxious so he hates his stories too.

He dislikes animals in general and tries to completely stay away from them.

He actually thinks Garrett's stories are wonderful children's books.

He thinks the whole concept is silly and therefore assumes Garrett has no ability or future in writing.

What does the author suggest as Dash Hardy passes Erich in the hallway with a bottle of champagne and two glasses? (from Part 1: Before the Wall Came Down)

Dash is celebrating the signing of a new book deal.

Dash is heading off to have a romantic liaison with Maurice.

Dash is heading to his room to meet the Spanish novelist.

Dash is heading to a party meant only for the younger writers.