View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The bartender offers his __________ to Frederic and Catherine for escape to Switzerland.

2. Frederic borrows ____________ from his singer friend.

3. The army boots dragging Frederic down in the river is ___________ of how the army is also dragging him down.

4. As they realize the severity of the situation, the couple decide to. . .

5. Catherine is concerned that the new baby will:

Short Essay Questions

1. What major decision does Frederic resolve in his mind on his train trip to Milan? Is he sure of his decision?

2. What do you think Frederic would say in a letter to Catherine if he were to write one at this point? What might he describe?

3. Do you think people secretly helping fugitives, like the man behind the counter in the cafe, were the exception or the norm at this time?

4. Describe Helen Ferguson as a character.

5. Discuss the symbolism of water in the novel so far.

6. Describe the difference between life in the Swiss chalet and the life the couple led before coming to Switzerland.

7. How has the relationship between Catherine and Frederic matured?

8. Should Frederic's actions at the end of the retreat be described as honorable or as cowardly?

9. Why does the couple relocate to Lausanne?

10. Would you trust your friends or people who offer to help you if you were in Frederic's situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Select one of the following scenarios and discuss:

You are Catherine's friend, Helen, and she is just about to run away with Frederic. What advice would you have for Catherine? Would you want her to stay, or would you encourage her to be with the man she loves despite the danger?

You are Frederic's friend, Rinaldi, and Frederic has contacted you secretly after Catherine and the baby have died. What advice would you have for Frederic to help him cope with the death of his loved ones?

Essay Topic 2

Friendship plays a strong role in this novel. Friendship not only helps the soldiers cope with the stress of war, but it also provides a safe haven within which Catherine and Frederic's relationship is able to develop. Evaluate the role of friendship in this novel.

1 - Rinaldi and Frederic are very close friends. What evidence supports this statement? How do we know their relationship runs deeper than just roommates?

2- How does the "shield" of friendship support and protect Frederic and Catherine in this novel?

3 - Discuss whether or not Frederic and Catherine's romantic relationship shows characteristics of deeply-rooted friendship.

4 - How does friendship support the characters in this novel overall?

Essay Topic 3

In this novel, Frederic and Catherine oscillate in their feelings toward one another, especially earlier in the novel.

1- What did the "games" the couple played early in the novel suggest about their relationship?

2- What was the significance of the discussion Frederic had with the priest regarding love?

3 - At what point do you think Frederic really knew he loved Catherine? At what point do you think Catherine knew she loved Frederic?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,199 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample