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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. When their son is born in "Part VII," why does it settle Gerda's fears?

2. How does the war in "Part VII" affect Tom's business?

3. What role is Tom elected to in "Part VII"?

4. How does Tom feel about selling the family house?

5. What makes Tom angry after Clara dies?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tom become a merchant senator?

2. In "Part VIII," how does Tony broker a deal for Tom?

3. In "Part VI," how does Tony describe Munich when she visits there?

4. What book does Tom read in "Part X"?

5. What does Erica's husband do when he is released from jail?

6. How does bringing Hanno the office make his relationship with Tom worse in "Part X"?

7. Why does Hugo Weinschenk go to court in "Part VIII"?

8. What happens after Tom sells the family house?

9. What does Tom do when Christian asks for money in "Part VII"?

10. What happens during the war in "Part VII"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast two conflicts suffered by the Buddenbrook family in this novel. Consider the root of the conflict, how it is treated and the end result.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the role of religion in this novel. Examine the religious characters as well as the non-religious characters. Also remember Tom's delving into philosophy that counters religious beliefs.

Essay Topic 3

The author did not intentionally mean for this novel to be a critique of the upper classes, yet it can be read that way. Argue if you feel this novel is critical of the upper classes or not.

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