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

2. Is Dr. Condor actively pursuing a cure for Edith?

3. In the introduction, Zweig says his depiction of Kekesfalva's early life and the discrimination he felt is based on what?

4. What did Kekesfalva do to ensure his plan to buy Dietzenhof's estate would move forward?

5. What does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller about the contraptions and treatments he has been providing for Edith?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. How did Annette Dietzenhof acquire the Kekesfalva estate?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role money plays in the lives of Hofmiller, Kekesfalva and Edith. How do their attitudes toward money differ? From where did those attitudes come? How does money affect their relationships with each other?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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

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