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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 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) He thinks his men aren't skilled enough to gallop.
(b) The terrain is too hilly for galloping.
(c) He wants to make less noise.
(d) He feels ashamed because he and his men can gallop freely while Edith cannot enjoy such pleasures.

2. Hofmiller realizes that during all his visits to the castle, he has failed to ask what he considers the most natural of questions. What is the question?
(a) Why does Ilona live with Kekesfalva and Edith?
(b) Is Edith's condition permanent or is there hope for a cure?
(c) How did Edith become crippled?
(d) How did Kekesfalva become so wealthy?

3. What initially interested Kekesfalva about the estate Dietzenhof had inherited?
(a) He'd grown up near the castle and wanted to see the inside.
(b) He hoped to buy the castle from Dietzenhof.
(c) He owned an auction house and wanted to see if Dietzenhof needed his services.
(d) He knew the estate contained some valuable art and wanted to see if he could buy it cheaply.

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 to fire Dr. Condor from Edith's case but wants to avoid confronting him, so he asks Hofmiller to do it.
(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 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.

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 was also an army officer.
(d) He married a very young, very naïve secretary.

Short Answer Questions

1. Hofmiller shows his friends a gift that Kekesfalva gave him. What is the item?

2. Why does Hofmiller say he joined the military?

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

4. What is Hofmiller's first impression of Dr. Condor?

5. Princess Orosvar left her entire estate to Fraulein Annette Beate Dietzenhof. What had been their relationship?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When Hofmiller's friends tease him about his relationship with Kekesfalva and his family, what does Hofmiller decide to do about the situation?

3. 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?

4. How did Kekesfalva trick Dietzenhof with regard to the worth of her property?

5. How does Hofmiller's report to Kekesfalva differ from the actual information he was given by Dr. Condor?

6. 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?

7. After having a chance to speak with each other privately, how do Hofmiller and Dr. Condor change their initial impressions of each other?

8. What does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller about the effectiveness of the treatment plan he is using with Edith?

9. Describe Hofmiller's reaction to meeting Dr. Condor for the first time.

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

(see the answer keys)

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