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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. During Chapter Nine, how does Mrs. Einstein begin to feel about their fame?

2. What sad event happens to the Einstein family during Chapter Thirteen?

3. A major event takes place in Einstein's family in Chapter Ten. What is it?

4. The author gives three reasons why some scientists disagree with Einstein's work. Which of the following does the author NOT mention?

5. Einstein returns to work at the end of Chapter Thirteen. Why is this unusual?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the reader learn about Einstein's tastes, based on his reaction to the quarters on the ship reserves for him?

2. Explain why some Japanese are insulted when Einstein speaks in that country.

3. With what group of critics does Einstein grow angry in Chapter Eight, and why?

4. Why is Einstein happier at Princeton University than he is at previous appointments?

5. What does Einstein's behavior after Elsa's death in Chapter Thirteen tell the reader about him? Is he insensitive?

6. What reason does Einstein give for wishing to cooperate particularly with American scientists?

7. Einstein brings national attention to Germany, so it seems logical that Hitler celebrates Einstein's success. This is not the case. Why?

8. Explain Einstein's worries about the German Republic and his disturbing revelation in Marseilles.

9. Why is Hitler's persecution of Einstein as a Jew ironic? Explain.

10. Why is Elsa Einstein unhappy in Jerusalem? Explain.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Not all of the results of Einstein's work are negative in the way that the atomic bomb is negative. Discuss three modern-day uses either related to or directly stemming from Einstein's work and possible future applications. Be sure to illustrate the relationship between Einstein's theory and modern theory clearly.

Essay Topic 2

Einstein publishes several essays through the course of his life. Pick one essay and complete a detailed analysis; what does his writing tell the reader about his character? From what period in his life does the essay come, and what information or opinions does the essay contain that illustrate the time of his life?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Einstein's changing relationship with his religion, from his attitude toward it as a child through young adulthood and finally to old age. In what ways does religion influence him through his life, if at all? How does he reconcile faith with science?

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