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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. How does the narrator act on leaving Ylayali?

2. What sound does the narrator hear when he is working in the sailor's room?

3. Who comes looking for the narrator as he is kicked out of his lodgings?

4. Who does the narrator realize is responsible for sending the 10-kroner note?

5. What do their two beating hearts sound like to the narrator?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator act towards Ylayali once they are upstairs?

2. What happens to the narrator that makes him aware of his mental sluggishness?

3. Why is the captain of the Copégoro reluctant to hire the narrator, and what is his compromise?

4. Why does the narrator still try to force himself upon Ylayali?

5. Who lives in the family room?

6. A few days later, why is the narrator still sleeping in the family room?

7. Where does the narrator decide to live?

8. Why does the narrator not speak to the woman in black when he first sees her outside his apartment?

9. How does the narrator react to seeing Ylayali with 'The Duke'?

10. Why does the narrator not eat all of his cakes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the parallels between the narrator's surroundings and his mental state. How do the narrator's surroundings affect his writing? How are his thoughts influenced by being in certain locations, such as by a church or at the pier?

Essay Topic 2

How does the book reflect the naturalist style of 19th century literature? Was Knut Hamsun influenced by any 19th century authors or philosophers?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the portrayal of policemen in the novel. In what way does the author show a favorable attitude towards civil authority? What does this reveal about Knut Hamsun's own views?

(see the answer keys)

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