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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. What does Rubashov think molded him and Ivanov to be very similar people?

3. Who reads the newspaper to Vassilij?

4. What does Rubashov say is history’s mortar?

5. When No. 402 proclaims the emperor, what does Rubashov say to him?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Rubashov meet with Little Loewy?

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

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

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

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

7. What does Ivanov tell Rubashov the day after Bogrov is killed?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

When he wakes, Rubashov meditates on whether he will be shot, saying to himself, "the old guard is dead. . . . We are the last" and rubbing his "pince-nez".

Discuss the implications of the above statement in view of what is happening in the Soviet Republic at the time of this novel’s setting. Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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