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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. Between what does Rubashov’s condition alternate during the hearing?

2. What does Rubashov think is the real reason he is innocent of all charges?

3. What is the one charge against Rubashov which is dropped?

4. What does 402 say when Rubashov tells him Rubashov is capitulating?

5. From where does Rubashov’s new exercise partner come?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rubashov think about the party as he is waiting to be executed?

2. For what does Wassilij interrupt her reading?

3. What verdict is reached on Rubashov's charges? What evidence is presented?

4. When Rubashov begins to address the court, what does he say he will talk about?

5. What does Wassilij say to his daughter about Rubashov’s speech?

6. What does Rubashov say some of his ideas could cause?

7. What does Wassilij’s daughter have to say about Rubashov’s trial and what is his response?

8. What does Wassilij think about right after the questions concerning Arlova are read to him?

9. Why is Rubashov confused after he hands over his confession?

10. What does Wassilij’s daughter tell him about the petition at work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Darkness at Noon help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Darkness at Noon? Why or why not? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Koestler was an active Zionist (a believer that Jews should have a homeland in Palestine) during his youth, he supported the creation of an Israeli state after World War II, and later in his life he became very interested in spirituality.

Discuss the religious undertones in Darkness at Noon. Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

A prisoner in cell 406 was arrested in his country for communist activities. After 25 years in prison, he is pardoned. He is taken to the station by friends and sent to Russia, his life-long dream. In Russia he is arrested and put in prison. In prison he keeps insisting his friends put him on the wrong train and that someday he will get to Russia and be free.

Discuss the way in which prisoner 406 uses denial of his situation in order to mentally/emotionally survive circumstances which directly oppose what the prisoner has believed most of his life and had spent 25 years in prison for believing. Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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