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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. Who do Dr. Condor and Hofmiller decide will tell the family the truth?

2. When Hofmiller realizes that Edith is in love with him, who does he blame?

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

4. Which of the following does Hofmiller think is worse?

5. How does Edith react when Hofmiller does not respond to her story the way she wants?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Hofmiller react when Edith angrily asks why he bothers coming to see her and her family?

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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

In the book's last passages, Hofmiller reflects on the guilt he will always feel regarding his role in the Kekesfalva family's life. Discuss the role guilt plays in his character throughout the book. At what points does he feel guilt that perhaps he should not feel? At what points does he not feel guilty when he should? Do you think the guilt he feels at the end is genuine?

(see the answer keys)

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