View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Hofmiller feel when he wakes up the morning after telling Kekesfalva about the potential new cure?

2. What does Hofmiller learn about the family's upcoming plans?

3. Seeing Edith's happiness, to whom does Hofmiller compare himself?

4. What happens to Kekesfalva after Edith's death?

5. How does Hofmiller react when Edith tries to walk to him, but falls at his feet?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. At one point in the book's last section, Hofmiller believes he has resolved his dilemma by agreeing to marry Edith if she recovers from her disability, believing that it will never be an issue because she won't recover. What does Edith do to burst his bubble?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lies and delusion are central themes throughout the book. Describe how small lies grew into major ones, and the impact those lies had on the characters and the book's outcome.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the role that well-meaning intentions play in "Beware of Pity". Include at least three specific instances in which characters act with good intentions, but whose actions go awry and cause serious consequences. Were they right or wrong to act on their original impulses and good intentions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,216 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample