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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Karl realizes that he is going to be fired despite two months of exemplary work, what does he realize is true about life?
(a) It is just when you become sure of yourself that your attention slips and disaster occurs.
(b) When you make a mistake, people often fail to consider the merit you have shown in the past.
(c) It is impossible to be perfect forever, regardless of how hard you are willing to try.
(d) Outside forces beyond our control are often more powerful than our good intentions.

2. Why does Karl expect Robinson to be rougher looking than Delamarche?
(a) Because Robinson is Irish, while Delamarche is French.
(b) Because Delamarche is clearly afraid of Robinson.
(c) Because of the way Robinson speaks to him.
(d) Because of the remarks the innkeeper makes about Robinson.

3. Why is Karl's uniform wet when he first tries it on?
(a) From the broken dryer in the hotel laundry.
(b) From the sweat of its previous wearer.
(c) From the coffee the tailor spilled.
(d) From the plumbing leak it was used to stop.

4. How does Karl's relationship with Rennel show that Karl has not grown much from his experiences?
(a) Karl lets Rennel cheat him out of his salary.
(b) Karl does not like Rennel because of his nationality.
(c) Karl lets Rennel take advantage of him.
(d) Karl does not know when Rennel is lying to him.

5. Who is the woman that eventually helps Karl get something to eat?
(a) A hotel guest.
(b) The head cook.
(c) The desk clerk.
(d) A waitress.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does it mean that the head waiter has a "choleric" temperament?

2. What does Karl leave behind in the porter's lodge?

3. Why does Delamarche say that the neighborhood he is currently living in is ideal?

4. What does the word "Occidental" mean?

5. What feature of his mother's face does Karl focus on in the photograph of her and his father?

Short Essay Questions

1. What convinces Karl to stay at Brunelda's apartment even after Delamarche assaults him?

2. Describe Brunelda's personality.

3. How does Karl end up having a conversation with Therese in his room on his first night at the Occidental Hotel?

4. How do Delamarche and Robinson persuade Karl to accompany them in the morning?

5. How does the head cook try to soften the blow of Karl's dismissal?

6. How does Therese's backstory support the idea that life for immigrants in America is difficult and somewhat dependent on sheer luck?

7. How does Robinson end up in Rennel's bed in the dormitory?

8. What is ironic about Karl's actions with his trunk during the night he spends in the inn after leaving Pollunder's house?

9. What other locations is the description of the suburban Ramses apartment building meant to evoke, and what is the similarity between these locations?

10. What does Karl learn from Robinson about Brunelda's marriage?

(see the answer keys)

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