View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does David ask for books made prior to 1917?

2. What does David say about imprisoning a murderer?

3. With which child does David feel most at ease?

4. Why did the man allow Johannes to live more freely than other prisoners?

5. What does David nearly fall over?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does David locate Edith, and what happens when he arrives?

2. How does David cross into Denmark?

3. Explain why David asks God to spare King, and kill him instead.

4. What is the significance of David touching Maria?

5. Explain David's conversation with God when he realizes the farmer has bolted the door, and his resulting revelation.

6. What does David realize about King's actions?

7. Why does David have such difficulty understanding the young boys he has come to live with?

8. Explain what happens to King.

9. Explain how being kept a slave on the farm is beneficial to David.

10. Explain why David doesn't like dogs, and how his friendship with King develops.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several times in the novel, David uses water to cleanse himself of various negative events. Choose one of the following examples, and discuss, in depth, how the cleansing David performs symbolizes the cleansing of his spirit and his inner self.

• David's scrubbing after escaping the camp

• David's washing following his beating by Carlo

• David's daily washing in the house of Giovanni

Essay Topic 2

There are many references in the novel to the power of "them", without actual description of who "they" really are. Choose three instances where the author gives information about "them", and explain the reference in detail. What is said about "them"? What does the reference indicate about who "they" might be? How does the author use these vague descriptions to impose a feeling of unfocused dread?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, David makes the attempt to "win" over those around him, including the guards, and those who are cruel to him. Locate at least two of these circumstances. What is the situation? Why does David feel the need to "win" against these individuals? What does this say about David, as a person? Do you think David's actions make him petty, or righteous? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,035 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample