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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 the woman in the linen shop on Amthausgasse?

2. To what does the Zytgloggeturm pay tribute?

3. Who has Besso received a letter from announcing a visit?

4. What rushes forward to envelope the people in the last seconds before the world ends?

5. What song is the young man humming as he waits for the typist to come into the office?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Einstein's appearance at the patent office.

2. Why do schools close one year before the end of the world?

3. What happens to travelers as they enter the world described in the 14 May 1905 dream?

4. Explain what the following statement means: Each time is true, but the truths are not the same.

5. What are the benefits of living in a world in which cause and effect are erratic?

6. At the end of the 26 April 1905 dream, what are the negative effects of living in the mountains?

7. According to the first Interlude, why is Besso worried about Einstein?

8. What happens every day for the townspeople of Berne? (28 April 1905)

9. What happens one minute before the end of the world?

10. Why does Besso think that Einstein is capable of anything?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Answer the following essay question being sure to use at least two examples and fully explaining the reasoning behind your answer:

- What is your least favorite dream from "Einstein's Dreams" and why?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the relationship between Einstein and Besso. Who do you think the relationship is more important to? Why? Who do you think the relationship is more taxing on? Why? Is the relationship relevant to the understanding of the novel? Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

Essay Topic 3

Salman Rushdie states that the novel is "intellectually provocative and touching and comical and so very beautifully written." (Dust cover quote-1993 edition by Pantheon Books, New York) What, from this quote, do you agree with? What do you disagree with? Based on your stand as a reader, support your belief with textual evidence. Cite specific examples from the text to support your responses.

(see the answer keys)

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