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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 the prosecutor tell Rubashov he does not have because of Arlova?

2. What sticks out of the wall above Wassilij’s head?

3. What does the reader ask Wassilij before Wassilij signs the petition?

4. What does Hare-lip say about Rubashov?

5. What does Gletkin say was the purpose of Rubashov’s confession two years previously?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens after 402 taps his farewell to Rubashov?

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

4. What does Rubashov ask for when he is taken before Gletkin for Rubashov’s third hearing? What is Gletkin’s response?

5. What does the reactionary peasant do to end up in prison?

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

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

8. What is Rubashov’s response about Arlova when the prosecutor asks about her? What does the prosecutor say to Rubashov about Arlova?

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

10. How does Gletkin interview Rubashov differently than Ivanov might have done?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rubashov feels more strongly than ever before the presence of the "grammatical fiction" that represents his individuality, and he ponders whether there is any purpose in life.

Discuss what Rubashov means by the phrase "grammatical fiction." Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

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

Choose one of the following to discuss:

Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Darkness at Noon. Are these universal symbols that would have the same meaning in any culture? What other symbols could portray the same idea? Why do you think Koestler chooses the symbols he does? Consider symbols such as the window in the prison cell, the Judas hole, the map of Prisoner 406 and Rubashov’s constant cleaning of his monocle.

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