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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. According to the former patient of Dr. Allgeier’s who became a camp guard, Olin’s mother was recognized on the selection platform at Auschwitz in what year?

2. Who questions whether Beethoven’s joy in Ode to Joy is indicative of transcendence in Part IV: “In Paradise,” Chapter 16?

3. How did Tadeusz Borowski commit suicide?

4. Where was Josef Mengele located at the time of his death?

5. Where was Pope John Paul II born?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What reason does Olin give for his family’s failure to search for his mother when he “bears witness” in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 14?

3. What information does Sister Catherine relate to Olin when she greets him in the beginning of Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 12?

4. What does Olin encounter when his bus reaches Cracow in Part IV: “In Paradise,” Chapter 16?

5. What realities about his grandparents does Olin come to terms with in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 6?

6. What does Father Mikal discuss with Olin in the beginning of Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 13?

7. Where does Olin go on the morning of the departure in Part IV: “In Paradise,” Chapter 15? What does he do here?

8. How does G. Earwig describe the loss of his family in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 12?

9. Who follows Olin as he searches for Brzezinka in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 8? Why is Olin looking for this setting?

10. What happens with Sister Ann-Marie during the prayer service in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 8?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine and discuss the theme of history in the novel. What is the role of history in the lives of the characters? How is history important in the story? How do Olin’s views of history differ from those of Mirek and Wanda?

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

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of In Paradise. In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader?

b. How does In Paradise compare with other novels written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Matthiessen’s writing?

(see the answer keys)

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