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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Hofmiller tell Kekesfalva about the promising new treatment Dr. Condor mentioned?

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

3. Why is Edith happy, rather than upset, when a new maid reacts in horror to the fact that she is disabled?

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

5. How does Hofmiller feel after learning about Kekesfalva's past?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why did Kekesfalva not simply flee with the money he received from Dietzenhof after he bought the property from her?

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

4. What is Dr. Condor's initial assessment of Edith's current medical condition?

5. How does learning about his past affect Hofmiller's feelings about Kekesfalva?

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

7. Why do you think Edith flies into a rage when Josef, the butler, comes to take her for her exercises?

8. Describe Dr. Condor's feelings about the nature of so-called incurable illnesses.

9. What are some of the reasons Hofmiller finds himself gaining greater self confidence during his second evening in the Kekesfalva home?

10. What does Hofmiller mean when he says that everything that happens in the book began with a blunder?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After reading and reflecting on the entire novel, who do you think is the more sympathetic and likable character, Edith or Hofmiller? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Examine foreshadowing in "Beware of Pity". How were important events in the book foreshadowed, including Edith's suicide, Kekesfalva's death and the disastrous results of Hofmiller's pity for the family?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss in detail the relationship of trust that develops between Kekesfalva and Hofmiller. How does Kekesfalva's trust begin and how does it develop over time? What effect does Kekesfalva's trust have on Hofmiller and how does it affect his actions with regard to Edith?

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