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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. What job did Rubashov hold?

2. What makes Rubashov think the games are played too well in the Trade delegation?

3. With what was Rubashov’s suitcase filled when he met a man in southern Germany in 1933?

4. What is an execution called in prison?

5. What does No. 402 call No. 406?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Rubashov’s flashback about after he is told he will get no breakfast?

2. What does Rubashov see the last night of the two weeks given to Rubashov by Ivanov? Who arranges it?

3. What does Rubashov tell the warden when he is asked why he is not out of bed? What is the warden’s reply?

4. What does Little Loewy tell Rubashov about Loewy’s life?

5. Why does Rubashov question Richard and what does Rubashov tell Richard?

6. Why is the agriculturist killed?

7. Who is brought to cell 406? What does he keep tapping?

8. What happens to Rubashov the first time he is imprisoned?

9. What does Ivanov present to Rubashov during their first interview?

10. Why did Ivanov want to commit suicide at one point and how did Rubashov help him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an important part of what makes Darkness at Noon interesting. Discuss the following:

Thoroughly discuss and analyze Rubashov. What are his strengths and weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he usually likable? Seldom likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas. Use the same criteria to thoroughly discuss and analyze No. 402 and Gletkin.

Essay Topic 2

Stalin initiated the Moscow Show Trials. It was part of his manipulation to eliminate all those who could threaten his power. Based on Rubashov’s reflections about the Party and on what a revolution must do to stay in power, discuss the following:

Was Stalin solely responsible for the Moscow Show Trials, or do you think they reflect the inevitable tendency of the Bolsheviks? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

Analyze and discuss what you think are the characteristics of a successful novel and why Darkness at Noon is or is not a successful novel based on your criteria. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults?

(see the answer keys)

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