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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. According to the introduction, in what way did Zweig's life mirror that of his main character, Hofmiller?

2. When Hofmiller imagines Edith cured of her disability, what does he picture her doing?

3. What is Kekesfalva's reaction when Hofmiller mentions the new treatment that might help Edith?

4. After asking Hofmiller to talk to Dr. Condor about Edith, why does Kekesfalva want to rush back to the house?

5. What pretense did Kekesfalva use for coming to the house to talk with Dietzenhof?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the book, it is clear that Hofmiller is desperately concerned with how other people perceive him. Identify three specific examples of this and write about how each example directly affects the book's plot. How might things have turned out differently if Hofmiller had not been so concerned with appearances?

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

How does Edith use her disability to manipulate those around her? How does this manipulation affect her relationship with others, including Hofmiller, her family and other minor characters?

(see the answer keys)

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