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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 402 tell Rubashov is happening the night the prison feels different?

2. To what new job is Arlova appointed?

3. How did Little Loewy die?

4. What awakens Rubashov at seven in the morning?

5. What does Rubashov shout out his door as the breakfast crew is leaving his hallway?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Rubashov respond to the evidence and charges Ivanov presents? What is Ivanov’s response?

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

4. What does Rubashov do after he is told he will get no breakfast?

5. What was Prisoner 406’s sentence in his country of origin? How much time does he serve? How does he get out of prison?

6. Where does Rubashov take the taxi when he leaves Richard? What does the driver do when they arrive there?

7. How does Rubashov pass his time in the his cell?

8. Whom does Rubashov watch the guards escort down the hallway after Rubashov’s flashback? What does the man look like?

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

10. Why does Rubashov feel guilty about Arlova’s death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about what they know. Sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Arthur Koestler. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Koestler's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Koestler's probable agenda concerning that idea.

Essay Topic 2

Rubashov ultimately talks himself into believing he is guilty of crimes against the state.

Discuss Rubashov’s reasoning that leads him to decide he is guilty of crimes against the state. Do you think, with his line of thinking, he is correct? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Rubashov is told to confess to his crimes and go to his death silently so that his trial can be a warning to others and help heal the rift that is occurring in the Party.

Why do you think Rubashov, at the end, is willing to do what a Party who is going to kill him asks him to do? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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