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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 Edith keep secret pictures of dancers?

2. How does Edith find out that Hofmiller had been playing cards rather than inspecting a horse when he failed to show up at the castle?

3. How does Kekesfalva plan to repay Hofmiller for talking to Dr. Condor for him?

4. What happens at the second dinner that makes Hofmiller feel especially happy and powerful?

5. What did Dietzenhof eventually tell Kekesfalva she wanted to do with her estate?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How did Kekesfalva change after marrying Dietzenhof?

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

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

7. How did Annette Dietzenhof acquire the Kekesfalva estate?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role that well-meaning intentions play in "Beware of Pity". Include at least three specific instances in which characters act with good intentions, but whose actions go awry and cause serious consequences. Were they right or wrong to act on their original impulses and good intentions?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Hofmiller's relationships with his friends, including Ferencz, his fellow soldiers and Balinkay. What is the general nature of their various relationships? What could he have learned from his friends that might have benefited him in the long run?

(see the answer keys)

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