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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. Following the revelation of her love for him, what does Edith initially ask Hofmiller to do?

2. How does Edith commit suicide?

3. Why was Balinkay at the Excelsior Hotel in Cairo when he met his wife?

4. Once he is aware of her love for him, what is Edith afraid Hofmiller will do?

5. How does Hofmiller feel about the book he is reading?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Hofmiller so willing to go to war after Edith's death?

2. Describe Dr. Condor's feelings about his marriage to Klara.

3. What is Edith's suggested solution when Hofmiller convinces her that he cannot afford the trip to the sanitarium?

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

5. Describe the many changes in Edith's mood during the trip to the horse farm.

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

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

8. Why is Hofmiller surprised by the loving relationship between Dr. Condor and his wife?

9. When Hofmiller goes to the castle the day after telling Kekesfalva about the potential cure for Edith, what does he discover Kekesfalva has done to complicate the situation further?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In your opinion, are Hofmiller and Edith well suited for each other? Are there personality traits that would make them a good match? Are there traits that would make their relationship toxic?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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