1. What does Hofmiller think to himself about his decision not to gallop the horses?
(a) He realizes that it is foolish to deny oneself a pleasure just because someone else could not enjoy it.
(b) He is afraid he'll get into trouble with his superiors for going too slowly.
(c) He feels proud of himself for showing such a degree of respect for Edith.
(d) He worries that his men aren't being properly trained.

2. After Kekesfalva speaks privately to Hofmiller about talking to Dr. Condor, what is Edith's mood when the two men return to the house?
(a) She is cheerful and happy that Hofmiller has come for dinner.
(b) She is excited that Hofmiller is going to ask Dr. Condor about her prospects for improvement.
(c) She is angry and demands to know what they've been discussing.
(d) She seems to suspect that they've been talking about her, and she's quiet and moody for the rest of the evening.

3. Why does Kekesfalva ask Hofmiller to be present when Dr. Condor comes to the castle and speak to him about Edith's condition?
(a) Kekesfalva wants Dr. Condor to give up his other patients and devote all his time to Edith, and he wants Hofmiller to ask how much he'd expect to be paid to do that.
(b) Kekesfalva isn't sure Dr. Condor is being completely honest with him about Edith's condition and chances for improvement.
(c) Kekesfalva wants to fire Dr. Condor from Edith's case but wants to avoid confronting him, so he asks Hofmiller to do it.
(d) Hofmiller tells Kekesfalva he is experiencing severe back pain and Kekesfalva thinks Dr. Condor might be able to help.

4. How does Edith react when she receives Hofmiller's flowers?
(a) She returns the flowers with an angry note.
(b) She asks her father to invite him for dinner.
(c) She phones him to say thanks.
(d) She invites him to tea.

5. In the introduction, Zweig says his depiction of Kekesfalva's early life and the discrimination he felt is based on what?
(a) It is based on the experience of Eastern Jews.
(b) It is based on his parents' experience.
(c) It is based on the experiences of characters in his favorite novels.
(d) It is based on his own experience.

Short Answer Questions

1. The night after his friends tease him about his relationship with Kekesfalva and his family, Hofmiller does not go to the castle. How does he feel about his decision to stay away?

2. Why does Kekesfalva like Dr. Condor so much?

3. Why is Hofmiller so confused by the range of emotions Edith and her family brings forth in him?

4. After angrily confronting Hofmiller about lying to her, what does Edith tell him about continuing to visit the family?

5. Why does Hofmiller go to Kekesfalva's home three days before the date of his dinner invitation?

(see the answer key)

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