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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. Why is Rubashov taken outside during one of his hearings?

2. What did Rubashov believe when he worked for the party as a boy?

3. Who does the reader sign up to marry three weeks ago?

4. What does Wallilij do occasionally as he listens to the newspaper account?

5. What does Gletkin say is the one duty of the revolution?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Wassilij’s daughter read the paper to him?

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

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

4. For what reason does Rubashov think the regime is attempting to get rid of the old guard?

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

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

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

8. What happens with Rubashov right after he signs the last charge?

9. What does the prisoner in 402 tell Rubashov to do before they come for Rubashov and how long does 402 have to remain in prison? What are 402’s last words to Rubashov?

10. How does Rubashov respond to Hare-lip’s accusations?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

Define plot and include the definitions of the most important elements of a plot. Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not? Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Darkness at Noon, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot? Give a brief synopsis of any important sub-plots.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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