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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. Who comes to tell Charlie that Stronson has dropped the charges against him?

2. Who does George take to Africa with him while working on the berylium deal?

3. Who does Humboldt want to play the role of Zane Bigoulis?

4. Why is Senor Biferno angry with Renata?

5. Who is Humboldt name after, according to his Uncle Waldemar?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the reader come to realize how close Humboldt must have felt towards Uncle Waldemar?

2. What is the relationship between Huggins and Charlie?

3. According to Humboldt's letter to Charlie, why does Charlie figure so prominently in his obsessions?

4. How does Charlie's theory that some people have no use for their gifts and can think only of overcoming their weaknesses apply to Charlie and Humboldt?

5. How does Charlie explain his relationship with Roger to people abroad?

6. During Charlie's visit with Naomi, why does Naomi believe the two of them would never have made a lasting relationship together?

7. Why does Maggie plead Charlie's case to Stronson and get the charges dropped?

8. When Charlie offers to put up the ransom for the return of Pierre, how does he expect to be repaid?

9. What is Humboldt's Uncle Waldemar afraid that Charlie might do when he is given the envelope?

10. What happens to Corcoran's outlook when he repeats his romantic trip with his wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It becomes clear to the reader that Cantabile, after destroying Charlie's car, now wants to be his friend. What are Rinaldo's motives for wanting to befriend Charlie? What will he get out of this relationship? Can this relationship be reciprocated?

Essay Topic 2

It becomes clear in the story that Renata is a plus for Charlie in many ways. What are Renata's attributes that are especially good for Charlie?

Essay Topic 3

Charlie's brother, Julius, is about to undergo heart surgery. He is seen as being very overweight and a keen businessman.

Compare Julius to Humboldt. Also compare their relationships with Charlie.

(see the answer keys)

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