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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. After Edith's fall, where does Hofmiller go first?

2. What does Hofmiller ask Dr. Condor to tell Edith?

3. In her second letter to him, what does Edith tell Hofmiller to do?

4. What does Hofmiller learn about the extent of Edith's despair at the idea that she might never be well?

5. What is Dr. Condor's wife's name?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Dr. Condor come to the conclusion that Hofmiller is planning to flee rather than facing up to his situation with Edith and her family?

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

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

7. What are Ilona's feelings about the situation between Edith and Hofmiller once Edith's love for him has been revealed?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the balance of power between Hofmiller and Kekesfalva. Who holds the power at the beginning of the story? Who holds it at the end? How and why does it shift back and forth throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, it is clear that Hofmiller is desperately concerned with how other people perceive him. Identify three specific examples of this and write about how each example directly affects the book's plot. How might things have turned out differently if Hofmiller had not been so concerned with appearances?

(see the answer keys)

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