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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. Frederic and the Count engage in a meaningful discussion about:

2. Count Greffi provides Frederic with this advice about growing older.

3. The fact that one man from Frederic's group gave himself up to the Germans as a prisoner or war tells Frederic that. . .

4. In Chapter 29, another obstacle that arises for the group is they. . .

5. Despite Catherine's pregnancy going well so far, her. . .

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think Frederic's morale was affected by being ordered to retreat? Do you think the Italian soldiers' morale was affected? If yes, how so?

2. Discuss the change in Hemingway's writing style, and what does this change denote?

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

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

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

6. 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?

7. Although seemingly content in his new life, what issue remains troubling to Frederic in Chapter 38?

8. Why does the couple relocate to Lausanne?

9. What is the significance of Frederic's actions when he emerges from the river?

10. Why do you think Catherine suggests that the baby will "come between them"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is pregnancy portrayed in a novel for this time period? How did Frederic take the news? Discuss the dark thoughts Frederic has with himself when he is told of the trouble with the pregnancy. Do you think these thoughts were fair? Do you think the couple was made to "pay the price" for their relationship? What does all of this suggest about the attitude toward unwed pregnancy for the time period and culture?

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

The question of why Frederic has joined the army is never directly answered in this novel. Why do you think Frederic joined the Italian army? Be sure to consider knowledge of his character, events, and other information you find relevant for your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

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