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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller was his initial opinion about why Hofmiller has become friends with Kekesfalva and his family?
(a) He thought Hofmiller was after Kekesfalva's money.
(b) He thought Hofmiller was under the impression that Kekesfalva could help him advance in his career.
(c) He thought Hofmiller was looking for a replacement for his absent family.
(d) He thought Hofmiller wanted to court and marry Ilona.

2. At what point is Hofmiller comfortable giving his men the orders to resume galloping?
(a) When his men begin to question his decision.
(b) When his commanding officer orders him to do so.
(c) When they are no longer in view of Edith's home and there is no danger of her seeing them.
(d) When he sees another group of soldiers ahead and wants to catch up with them.

3. Why is Hofmiller uncomfortable when he first arrives at the dinner party?
(a) He arrives late and doesn't know any of the other guests.
(b) He doesn't like the food that is being served.
(c) He is dressed inappropriately.
(d) He arrives an hour early.

4. 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?
(a) He worries constantly and realizes that he can't just turn his emotions off and on.
(b) He enjoys having a night away from the family and decides to visit them less often in the future.
(c) After a couple of hours, he changes his mind and goes to visit the family.
(d) He thoroughly enjoys playing cards with his friends and realizes it was the right decision not to go.

5. Why did Dietzenhof follow Kekesfalva's advice about selling her property without question?
(a) She checked his credentials and was convinced he could be trusted.
(b) She knew nothing about business matters or investments, so she put her trust in him completely.
(c) He threatened to harm her if she didn't follow his instructions.
(d) The papers he asked her to sign were in a foreign language and she didn't understand what she was signing.

6. 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 own experience.
(c) It is based on his parents' experience.
(d) It is based on the experiences of characters in his favorite novels.

7. According to the book's introduction by Joan Acocella, why was the author, Stefan Zweig, so interested in the inner workings of the human mind?
(a) He was trained as a psychiatrist.
(b) His father was a psychiatrist.
(c) He read a great deal about psychology.
(d) He was a friend of Sigmund Freud.

8. What aspect of Hofmiller's background makes him especially grateful for the warm welcome he continues to receive at the Kekesfalva's home?
(a) His parents are servants of a wealthy family, so he likes turning the tables by having servants wait on him.
(b) He has been brought up in a wealthy home, so he feels comfortable and at ease with the family's wealth.
(c) He has been brought up in military institutions, so he loves the homey feeling of their house and family.
(d) He has been raised in an orphanage, so he begins to think of Kekesfalva as a father figure.

9. How did Dietzenhof respond when Kekesfalva told her that she could probably get about 150,000 crowns for the estate?
(a) She said she wanted to get a second opinion before making a decision.
(b) She said she didn't want to sell it at any price.
(c) She insisted that it should be worth much more than that.
(d) She was astonished that it could be worth so much.

10. How does Kekesfalva plan to repay Hofmiller for talking to Dr. Condor for him?
(a) He plans to pay Hofmiller the equivalent of a week's salary.
(b) He says he'll allow Hofmiller to court Edith.
(c) He offers Hofmiller his own suite of rooms at the castle.
(d) He says he'll introduce Hofmiller to high-ranking officials.

11. Why does Hofmiller continue exaggerating about the new treatment's promise?
(a) He hopes that he'll benefit financially if he finds a cure for Edith.
(b) He finds the fact that Kekesfalva is hanging on his every word intoxicating.
(c) He has been diagnosed as a compulsive liar.
(d) Dr. Condor asked him to make the treatment sound more promising than it actually is.

12. Why does Kekesfalva like Dr. Condor so much?
(a) They grew up together and have been lifelong friends.
(b) Dr. Condor went to the best schools.
(c) He is the only doctor who has remained optimistic about Edith's chances for improving her condition.
(d) Dr. Condor shows him more respect than Edith's other doctors do.

13. 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 seems embarrassed and tries to avoid her.
(b) He is upset that she has apparently left Edith alone.
(c) He is thrilled to see her on his own turf and asks her to go for a walk or to the patisserie.
(d) He is excited about the opportunity to introduce her to his friends.

14. What kind of personality did Dietzenhof have?
(a) She was flirtatious.
(b) She was silly and frivolous.
(c) She had a strong, forceful personality.
(d) She was timid and meek.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Hofmiller hesitate when Kekesfalva insists that his driver take Hofmiller home on a rainy night?

2. How did Kekesfalva initially begin to manipulate Dietzenhof in order to gain control of her inheritance?

3. What does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller about the contraptions and treatments he has been providing for Edith?

4. What does Hofmiller do after Kekesfalva apologizes for Edith's behavior?

5. Why does Kekesfalva ask Hofmiller to be present when Dr. Condor comes to the castle and speak to him about Edith's condition?

(see the answer keys)

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