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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. After Dietzenhof completed the sale of the property without realizing Kekesfalva was the actual buyer, what caused him to begin to feel guilty about taking advantage of her?

2. How does Edith react when Josef, the butler, comes to take her for her exercises?

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

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

5. After they are alone following dinner at the castle, what does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller he finds frustrating about Kekesfalva?

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. Briefly describe how Kekesfalva began his rise from poverty to wealth.

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

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

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

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

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

8. What is Hofmiller's real motivation in accepting Edith's invitation to tea?

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

10. Why does Hofmiller attach so much importance to Kekesfalva's request that he speak to Dr. Condor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the balance of power between Hofmiller and Kekesfalva. Who holds the power at the beginning of the story? Who holds it at the end? How and why does it shift back and forth throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Hofmiller's relationship with Herr Kekesfalva and his family begins with a simple dinner invitation, but by the end of the book, it has had a dramatic effect on the lives of all the primary characters. Discuss the evolution of his relationship with the family. Why does it change so quickly? How does Hofmiller's personality lead him into such a complex relationship with the family?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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