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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. What is on top of Charlie's lavatory?

2. Where had Gerhard Klopfer's body been found?

3. What colour is Zaugg's hair?

4. Who does Xavier suspect of trying to set him up with a new wife?

5. In which station is the supposed body of Martin Luther found?

Short Essay Questions

1. State one way in which Xavier tries to block the pain of being tortured.

2. Why do you think Xavier chooses to visit Pili?

3. How do Xavier, Charlie and Henry try to avoid being overheard?

4. Why does Pili work with the Gestapo?

5. How does Xavier try to justify parking in front of the Great Hall?

6. What is notable about the ransacked pile of items in Xavier's apartment?

7. Who does Xavier think of as he waits to leave Switzerland?

8. What happens when Xavier boards the plane?

9. What happens when Xavier is transferred to Columbia House?

10. Why does Nebe consider Xavier an irony?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following and discuss how it affects the tone of the book and helps to express character and theme.

1. Setting

2. Point of view

3. Structure

4. Language

Essay Topic 2

From your own knowledge of the Second World War, do you find Harris' storyline plausible? What are the potential faults in his alternate history? Are there any significant changes that you would make?

Essay Topic 3

What are the main turning points of the book? How does Harris develop his story to get to each turning point? Do you think that Harris successfully builds up the tension in the book to reach the final climax?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 580 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample