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

2. Later on the night following their trip, from whom does Hofmiller receive a note?

3. Why is Edith so excited when Hofmiller arrives at the house the morning after his dinner with Dr. Condor?

4. What book does Hofmiller read?

5. What is the mood at the castle when Hofmiller arrives the morning after telling Kekesfalva about the new cure ?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Why does Hofmiller see suicide as the only solution to his problems?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Edith is a very complex character and often behaves in contradictory ways. Discuss some of those contradictions, including how she seems to feel and behave with regard to her disability and her feelings toward Hofmiller.

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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