1. How does Edith react when Hofmiller asks her to dance?
(a) She gives him a shy smile and turns away.
(b) She is delighted by the attention being paid to her.
(c) She is horrified and begins to sob.
(d) She ignores him.

2. How does Hofmiller react when he sees Ilona in the street after taking a night away from the family to play cards with his friends?
(a) He is thrilled to see her on his own turf and asks her to go for a walk or to the patisserie.
(b) He seems embarrassed and tries to avoid her.
(c) He is upset that she has apparently left Edith alone.
(d) He is excited about the opportunity to introduce her to his friends.

3. How does Hofmiller perceive Edith after their first two meetings?
(a) He thinks she's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen.
(b) He sees her as an invalid who needs to be comforted and protected.
(c) He finds her dull and boring.
(d) He is immediately attracted to her and wants to court her.

4. 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) Hofmiller tells Kekesfalva he is experiencing severe back pain and Kekesfalva thinks Dr. Condor might be able to help.
(d) Kekesfalva wants to fire Dr. Condor from Edith's case but wants to avoid confronting him, so he asks Hofmiller to do it.

5. According to the introduction, in what way did Zweig's life mirror that of his main character, Hofmiller?
(a) He named the character after his brother.
(b) They shared similar taste in books.
(c) He married a very young, very naïve secretary.
(d) He was also an army officer.

Short Answer Questions

1. Although Hofmiller is torn about whether or not he wants to continue seeing Edith and her family, what precipitates his decision to return to their home?

2. Why does Hofmiller say he joined the military?

3. What is Hofmiller most afraid of when he realizes his blunder in asking Edith to dance?

4. What does Hofmiller see as the only negative aspect of the time he spends with Kekesfalva and his family?

5. In the introduction, Zweig says his depiction of Kekesfalva's early life and the discrimination he felt is based on what?

(see the answer key)

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