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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 does Ivanov say would have made Raskolnikov innocent of a crime?

2. What does Ivanov say Rubashov will do when Gletkin asks Ivanov in the canteen?

3. What does No. 402 tell Rubashov after Rubashov reveals his name?

4. What does Ivanov say are the two conceptions of human ethics?

5. What was Richard’s trade?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Rubashov’s relationship to Arlova and what happens to her?

2. How does rub meet Prisoner 406 and what does the 406 show Rubashov?

3. How is Rubashov given a chance to exercise? How is that carried out?

4. What does Rubashov daydream about on his seventh day in prison?

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

6. What book does Rubashov say No. 1 has sitting on his desk at all times? Why does No. 1 have the book?

7. What does Ivanov say is the reason Rubashov will not capitulate with Gletkin’s method?

8. What does Gletkin consider to be the best methods for getting confessions out of prisoners? Why does he feel this way?

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

10. Why does Rubashov think he is unable to hate No. 1?

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

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

Compare/contrast the characters of Rubashov and Ivanov. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples. Compare/contrast the characters of Rubashov and Gletkin. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

Essay Topic 3

Darkness at Noon belongs to the political novel genre. Discuss the following:

Define the literary term "genre" and name three other genres in addition to the political novel genre. What are the advantages and disadvantages of assigning a genre to a novel? What do you think is the difference between a political novel and a historical novel or mystery?

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