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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. Mr. Vladimir tells Mr. Verloc he reviewed his past reports, that they are inadequate as no action has been taken, and indicates that he views the latter's role toward achieving an explosion to be what?

2. Why is one member of the Red Committee having so much difficulty communicating with other members of the group?

3. What does the professor say his sole goal in life is?

4. Whom does this story center on?

5. What is one reason Mr. Verloc is unconcerned when he leaves his shop in the care of someone else?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How might the character known as the professor be described?

3. Who is Ossipon?

4. What description of the explosive device he carries on his person does the professor provide Ossipon?

5. How is Mr. Verloc described at the start of Chapter 2?

6. As the assistant commissioner does not believe that Chief Inspector Heat is being totally open with him, what are the items of information he finally receives before he dismisses him?

7. Why was Michaelis sent to prison?

8. How is Michaelis described?

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

10. What is Mr. Verloc's attitude toward Mrs. Verloc's lone sibling?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses the theme of relationships in exploring characters throughout his novel. Examine the relationship between Stevie and Mr. Verloc prior to Stevie's mother moving into a charity home, and afterward. Provide examples to display the change that takes place. Discuss the motivation behind the transformation.

Essay Topic 2

Honesty, or lack of it, is a trait that is touched upon repeatedly by Conrad in this work. Some lacked virtually any at all. Others' levels of honesty were determined by what they were seeking. Examine the trait of honesty in the characters in this tale and what governed it.

Essay Topic 3

Mr. Verloc fears the consequences of failing to satisfy his superiors. Consider in detail this and other instances of Conrad's use of the theme of fear in his story.

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This section contains 1,183 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample