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

2. What does Hofmiller do after Ilona explains the reason Edith became so upset at the dinner party?
(a) He asks Ilona to dance.
(b) He explains the situation to the other guests.
(c) He leaves immediately.
(d) He explains his actions to Kekesfalva.

3. Why does Hofmiller tell Kekesfalva about the promising new treatment Dr. Condor mentioned?
(a) Kekesfalva says Dr. Condor had mentioned it previously and now he wants more details.
(b) Hofmiller hopes to take credit for finding out about the treatment if it proves effective for Edith.
(c) Kekesfalva had read about the treatment in the newspaper and wants to know if Dr. Condor has looked into it.
(d) He feels pity for Kekesfalva and knows he will not be satisfied unless Hofmiller gives him some promising news.

4. How did Dietzenhof change after marrying Kekesfalva?
(a) She became bitter and cruel.
(b) She became resentful about being tricked into sharing her wealth.
(c) She blossomed and even developed physical beauty.
(d) She resented Kekesfalva because he treated her so poorly.

5. When Hofmiller is training with his men the morning following his tea with Edith, why does he order them to stop galloping and trot their horses?
(a) The terrain is too hilly for galloping.
(b) He thinks his men aren't skilled enough to gallop.
(c) He feels ashamed because he and his men can gallop freely while Edith cannot enjoy such pleasures.
(d) He wants to make less noise.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Edith keep secret pictures of dancers?

2. How does Hofmiller fill about Edith and Ilona after spending a few evenings in their company?

3. Why do Hofmiller and Kekesfalva end their conversation about the potential new cure for Edith?

4. What does Hofmiller think to himself about his decision not to gallop the horses?

5. Why is Hofmiller so pleased about Kekesfalva's request that he speak to Dr. Condor about Edith?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Kekesfalva become upset with Dr. Condor during their discussion of Edith's condition?

2. Describe how Kekesfalva got off on the wrong foot with Dietzenhof when they first met.

3. How does Hofmiller's upbringing lead him to respond when he receives a dinner invitation from Kekesfalva?

4. How does Hofmiller realize that the pity he feels for Edith is already beginning to poison him?

5. Although Hofmiller finds himself enjoying his new sense of power and the comfort of being with with the Kekesfalva family, what keeps him from enjoying those feelings completely?

6. What is the difference between how Hofmiller initially feels about Ilona and how he feels about Edith?

7. Why does Hofmiller flee from Kekesfalva's home after his blunder causes Edith to become upset?

8. When Hofmiller has tea with Edith and Ilona, what does he learn about what caused Edith to become particularly upset about his invitation to dance?

9. In the early weeks of his relationship with the Kekesfalva family, how does Hofmiller's friendship with them affect his relationship with his fellow soldiers?

10. How does Hofmiller's decision to have his men trot rather than gallop their horses reflect the title of the book?

(see the answer keys)

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