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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 fear others will think of him if he marries Edith?

2. Why does Ilona tell Hofmiller he needs to be nice to Edith?

3. What form of transportation do Hofmiller and the Kekesfalvas take on their day trip?

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

5. Who talks Hofmiller out of his plan?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How do Dr. Condor and Hofmiller decide to handle the situation regarding Hofmiller's lies about the new treatment?

4. Why does Hofmiller think Balinkay is a good person to seek out for advice on his situation?

5. Why is Hofmiller unable to commit to accompanying Edith and her family to the sanitarium?

6. How might Hofmiller have resolved his situation during his visit to the castle, after seeing the family's excitement about the potential new treatment?

7. Why does Hofmiller not admit that he has exaggerated the potential for the new treatment to cure Edith?

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

9. What prompts Hofmiller to turn away from the idea of leaving the military and taking a job with Balinkay?

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

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 2

What role does personal responsibility play in the novel? What responsibilities does Hofmiller take upon himself and what responsibilities does he avoid?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,097 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample