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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 has David told Maria how to do so it doesn't hurt?

2. What does David avoid entering Germany?

3. What does Maria do that David would like to do?

4. How does David learn about countries?

5. What comforts David in Chapter Eight?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain David's experience within the church.

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

3. Explain what Sophie means by "someone has broken his spirit".

4. What does David find out about a woman named Edith Fengel.

5. Explain why David is disheartened in this chapter.

6. Why does David stop caring consciously about what happens to him, and how does he manage to keep going?

7. Why is being able to use proper wording important to David?

8. What does David say in his letter to Carlo?

9. Explain David's opinion about ruling over others.

10. How does David cross into Denmark?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, David comes to realize he can never be a normal boy. Analyze this statement in detail. What aspects of life cause David to state this? Is he correct? Why or why not? Do you think he can ever be a normal child? Why? What in his background could prevent him from achieving any sense of normalcy? Do you think finding his mother will help? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

David's relationship with God grows through the novel from being non-existent to being one of the most vital relationships in his life. Describe each stage of this relationship in detail. How does David find God? How does he choose a God? How does he pray? How does he learn about God? What promises does he make to God, and what triumphs does he attribute to God? Does God succeed, to David, in helping him?

Essay Topic 3

In the novel, there is constant contrast between the life David has led, and the life of the more privileged in society. Compare and contrast David's life with the life of others, making sure to touch on concepts such as freedom, choice, materialism, education, and self identity.

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