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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 group has Stronson under investigation according to The Tribune?

2. What film does Charlie discover has been made without authorization?

3. What is an item in the envelope besides the long letter and Humboldt's actual gift?

4. What does Thaxter have to tell Charlie when they meet in the Palm Court?

5. Who does the Stronson's receptionist turn out to be?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Corcoran in the "Treatment" end up losing even though his book is a great success?

2. Why does Charlie believe that he cannot ask Renata to accompany him and the two older men from the nursing home out to lunch?

3. What is the state of Charlie's life and state of mind in Section 16 as he lives in Madrid?

4. What is the relationship between Huggins and Charlie?

5. Does Charlie have confidence in PIerre Thaxter's ability to get help for him while in jail?

6. As Charlie thinks about oblivion and death as being all we have to expect out of this world, what options present themselves to him in order to meet this end?

7. What are Renata's opinions about Charlie's thoughts about death?

8. What is Charlie hoping to receive as he has now lived at the pension with Roger for ten weeks?

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While Charlie is sitting on a sofa meditating, remembering everything that had happened in minute detail, Humboldt's obituary in the New York Times comes to his mind.

What is Charlie's view on the subject of the dead and the human soul?

How do the living starve the dead of their nourishment?

What happens to the soul in the next life?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Consider Humboldt's Treatment that he left to Charlie.

1) What, if anything, might Charlie learn about himself from this story?

2) Why would Charlie think Humboldt wrote this story for him? Is it about the money?

(see the answer keys)

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