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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. One woman is described as "burlesque" (6). From the context, which is most likely true?
(a) She works as an exotic dancer in Berlin.
(b) She is uncomfortably flirtatious.
(c) She seems like an exaggerated caricature.
(d) She spends most of the trip making jokes.

2. Which of the following describes the group leader accurately?
(a) He is missing one front tooth.
(b) He has unusually long hair.
(c) He is badly sunburned.
(d) He has eyes of two different colors.

3. What does Ivanovich enjoy reading?
(a) English metaphysical poetry.
(b) Russian lyrical poetry.
(c) German Classical poetry.
(d) French Baroque poetry.

4. Which character is said to have "lustreless eyes and a vague velvety vileness" (6)?
(a) The widow.
(b) Schultz.
(c) Greta.
(d) Schramm.

5. After dinner, what do the other tour members insist that Ivanovich do?
(a) Sing a solo.
(b) Teach them a few words of Russian.
(c) Prove that he knows where they are going.
(d) Practice speaking German more clearly.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the narrator remember about the time of year in which the story takes place?

2. What does the narrator say is "dangerous for the soul" (7)?

3. What technique is used in the sentence "The burning sun crept toward a corner of the window and suddenly spilled over the yellow bench" (6)?

4. What "fancy-style" item does Ivanovich buy for his trip (3)?

5. What does Ivanovich do when he first sees the view of the lake?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ivanovich do at each of the train stations on the first day of the trip, and what does this show about his character?

2. Why does Ivanovich try to avoid singing the songs, and what happens when he is only pretending to sing?

3. What does Ivanovich do as soon as he sits down in the train on the first morning of the trip, and what is the group's reaction?

4. On the second day of the tour, what is Ivanovich doing from early morning until early evening?

5. What happens when Ivanovich declares that he will stay at the lake instead of returning to Berlin?

6. Describe the leader of the group excursion.

7. What is the difference between the narrative descriptions of people and of nature in this story?

8. With whom does Ivanovich spend the first night, and how does this person keep Ivanovich awake?

9. What kinds of things does Ivanovich feel passion for, and what kinds of things does he dislike?

10. What role does singing seem to play on the tour that Ivanovich is on?

(see the answer keys)

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