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

2. In Chapter 40, Hemingway's writing about Catherine's pregnancy seems to foreshadow __________ in Catherine and Frederic's future.

3. Which character is excellent at billiards and asks Frederic to play a game?

4. When Frederic emerges from the river, he. . .

5. Frederic and Catherine's reunion is_______ for the couple.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Frederic's reaction to the birth of his son.

3. Discuss the continued symbolism of water for both Frederic and Catherine.

4. What do we learn from Frederic's dream involving Catherine?

5. What advice does the Count give to Frederic about aging?

6. What is the significance of the couple feeling hurried by the end of the pregnancy?

7. How does Hemingway slowly exhibit increasing betrayal between Frederic and the Italian army?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Frederic's attitude toward his own mortality in this novel? Does his attitude change, and if so, how significant is this change? What does the subject of death contribute to this story? Why is it important to acknowledge one's own mortality?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Reflect on and evaluate the title of the book. Discuss the title, its meaning, and how it relates to the story. Is it ironic? Is it symbolic? Why do you think Hemingway chose this title?

(see the answer keys)

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