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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. When Hofmiller visits the Kekesfalva family after their trip, what does he bring with him?

2. What does Hofmiller think Edith should be focusing on?

3. The book he is reading prompts Hofmiller to wonder if he is strong enough to do what?

4. Who is the one person Dr. Condor is certain he has saved?

5. During their day trip, why do Hofmiller and the family stop on the way to their destination?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hofmiller react when Edith first suggests that he kiss her?

2. What happens at the end of the book to make Hofmiller realize he'll never be free of his guilt?

3. What event occurs to put a damper on Hofmiller's happiness when he returns to his barracks after the trip to the horse farm?

4. How does an unforeseen and unrelated political event lead to Edith's suicide?

5. In her first note to Hofmiller after her love for him has been revealed, what does Edith want from him?

6. How does Edith use the threat of suicide in an attempt to influence Hofmiller?

7. What does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller about the new treatment that makes his lies even worse?

8. What does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller about the nature of pity?

9. Why does Dr. Condor think that if Hofmiller runs away from his situation with Edith, he will essentially be committing murder?

10. How does Hofmiller react when Edith angrily asks why he bothers coming to see her and her family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the relationship between honor and deceit in Hofmiller's life. In what ways does he show that honor is important to him? How does he betray his own sense of honor through his actions with regard to Edith?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

In the book's last passages, Hofmiller reflects on the guilt he will always feel regarding his role in the Kekesfalva family's life. Discuss the role guilt plays in his character throughout the book. At what points does he feel guilt that perhaps he should not feel? At what points does he not feel guilty when he should? Do you think the guilt he feels at the end is genuine?

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