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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. How does Einstein finally decide to deal with the autograph requests in Chapter Eight?

2. What is unusual about Einstein's recommendations for people to take a US hospital job?

3. With which detractors of his theories does Einstein grow particularly angry?

4. With what aspect of New York is Einstein frustrated?

5. As Einstein grows older, he discovers that he enjoys a new hobby. What is it?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Einstein's view of the political climate in Germany at the beginning of Chapter Nine.

2. The Holocaust is not underway when Einstein elects not to return to Germany. Why does he decide to stay away from his homeland?

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

4. Explain why the author calls Einstein a false prophet at the beginning of Chapter Eight.

5. Why is Einstein's international fame surprising?

6. Elsa Einstein says that it is difficult to be married to Albert Einstein. Does this seem likely? Why is it difficult?

7. Describe and explain Einstein's answer to the reporter who asks about the political climate in Germany. Why is Einstein so careful in answering?

8. Why is Einstein no longer a pacifist in Chapter Fourteen?

9. Why do some Berlin scientists imply that Einstein is a traitor to his country?

10. Why does Einstein finally decide to settle in America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Mileva Maritsch and Elsa Einstein. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each woman? In what ways do each influence Einstein's life?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the different schools Einstein attends and discuss why those schools are helpful or harmful to Einstein as he matures. What effect do the various types of instruction have on his personality and on his teaching career later in life?

(see the answer keys)

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