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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. For how many years does Malan say he was held prisoner at Auschwitz in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 13?

2. When is the bus said to be departing for Cracow from the concentration camp in Part IV: “In Paradise,” Chapter 15?

3. What is the name of Rainer’s uncle that he says he’s come to Auschwitz to honor in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 7?

4. Where is Dr. Stern said to be from in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 6?

5. What are the lyrics of the children’s lullaby that Sister Catherine translates into English for Olin in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Olin go into the town of Oswiecim in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 8? What does he take with him?

2. How does the dancing come about in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 11? Who dances alongside Olin?

3. How does the narrator describe the mood of the attendees in the beginning of Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 11?

4. What information does Earwig relate regarding his family in Part IV: “In Paradise,” Chapter 15?

5. What story does Rainer reveal of his family in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 7?

6. What does Olin learn about Father Mikal in Cracow in Part IV: “In Paradise,” Chapter 16?

7. What is significant about the tattoo that Malan shows Olin in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 13?

8. How does Olin come to meet Sister Catherine in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 6?

9. Who steps forward to “bear witness” at the meditation meeting in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 10? What does this character reveal?

10. How is the theme of the human capacity for evil explored in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the history, rituals, beliefs, and customs of Judaism. How were the rituals and customs of Jews affected by imprisonment in the camps during WWII? How do you compare these customs with those of Christianity? How do the Jewish prayer services and the Catholic prayer services at the retreat differ?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Ben Lama in the narrative. What is Ben Lama’s role at the retreat? Where is he from? What are Ben’s objectives at the retreat?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the city of Oswiecim and discuss its significance to Clements Olin in the narrative. What does Clements point out of the setting when it is encountered? What relationship to Mirek and Wanda have to this city?

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