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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. Where did Mr. Verloc live before he got married?

2. How is the professor traveling while amazed at the sense of security those around him feel, unaware they could all be blown up at any time?

3. Where did Heat have his initial encounter with Mr. Verloc some time ago?

4. How does Mr. Verloc feel about the opinions expressed by his friends during their Red Committee meeting at his home?

5. While speaking with the Professor, Ossipon gains information that leads him to believe who was blown up in the Greenwich Park explosion?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it Mr. Verloc is able to leave his business in the hands of his brother-in-law in the morning?

2. What are some of Karl Yundt's outstanding characteristics?

3. How is Michaelis described?

4. What is Ossipon's view of Mrs. Verloc's sibling?

5. What does the professor describe as his goal and what does it take to achieve it?

6. What problems are faced by Winnie Verloc's lone, younger sibling?

7. What is Mr. Verloc's response to his meeting with Mr. Vladimir after he returns home?

8. As described at the conclusion of Chapter 5, what habit does the Assistant Commissioner have that comforts him the most?

9. How is Mrs. Verloc's younger sibling's spare time occupied and where?

10. How is the appearance of Winnie Verloc's mother described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some of the characters in Conrad's novel are not whom they initially seem to be. Some are harder than they might have at first appeared, others not quite as cold or callous. Take four characters and examine how they are different by the end of the tale than at first encountered. Describe the individual's outlook and view of the world and what motivates them to change.

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Verloc's mother was introduced at the start of the book, but steps out of the story in the flashback that takes place several weeks prior to the bombing. In Chapter 8, the reader learns a good bit about her character and the role she attempted to have in Stevie's well-being. Examine how Conrad uses this character in relaying his tale.

Essay Topic 3

Conrad skillfully uses dilemmas faced by characters within his novel. These are situations where the characters must make choices that have consequences. At the start of the story, Mr. Verloc must choose whether he will satisfy Mr. Vladimir's desire for the bombing of a science center, or risk losing his financial support and possibly his well-being. Select four situations where characters face dilemmas. Detail the choices that must be made, the consequences they need to consider, and what motivates them to take the paths they choose. Do any of them have the same motivation(s)?

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