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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. Andor Gutman explains that "Sonderkommando" means "special detail." What horrific "special detail" did Andor Gutman say members of the Sonderkommando had to perform?

2. What secret does Resi reveal to the narrator before he leaves for the front lines?

3. How are Resi and Helga related?

4. What prompted the sudden death of August Krapptauer?

5. Which description best fits the narrator's New York home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Robert Wilson, the Black Fuehrer of Harlem, mean when he says that he and the narrator were on "opposite" sides? Provide some explanation as to why Wilson chose the side he did.

2. Why is Helga presumed to be dead?

3. What is the gist of Bernard O'Hare's letter to the narrator?

4. Describe Heinz Schildknecht's wife as the narrator portrays her. Why does he not like her?

5. Why was Lionel Jones sent to prison (before he became acquainted with the narrator), and based on what evidence?

6. Why had Father Keeley been "unfrocked"?

7. Describe the narrator's and Helga's careers before the war begins, and how do they support each other in their careers?

8. In chapter one, where is the narrator? Why is he there and what is he doing?

9. Of what does the Haifa Institute consider Heinz Schildknecht to be an expert and why?

10. What frequently occurs in the little park outside the narrator's window that would often get his attention, and what is the significance of this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Resi's deceptive behavior. Explain what she does and the consequences of her actions, if any. Can Resi's actions be justified? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Consider Howard and Helga's "Nation of Two." Is such a concept a good idea for a couple, a family, or even a single person? Discuss pros and cons of small groups or individuals considering themselves to be their own nation.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Resi's behavior when the narrator meets her in the music room before going to the front lines. Does Resi's behavior seem appropriate for a child her age? Why or why not? Discuss how Resi's circumstances may have affected her attitudes and behaviors.

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