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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the end of Chapter 6, where does Tamkin look for Wilhelm first?

2. Who clears two hundred a week by investing only in soy beans?

3. Which of the following is NOT something Tamkin claims to have done in his life?

4. What is the second thing Wilhelm does in the beginning of Chapter 7?

5. What do Wilhelm and Tamkin do instead of going over to the market?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In defense of his own intentions, Tamkin tells Wilhelm, "I deal in facts. Facts are always sensational. I'll say that a second time. Facts always! are sensational."

Part 1) What does Tamkin mean by this?

Part 2) How does this serve his own end with Wilhelm?

Part 3) Do you agree with Tamkin? Why or why not?

Part 4) Wilhelm later states, "These hints, made dully as asides, grew by repetition into sensational claims." Does this change the meaning of Tamkin's statement? What is Wilhelm saying about Tamkin and his deceiver's tactics?

Essay Topic 2

Point of view has such a presence in the book that it is almost another character.

Part 1) What point of view does the narrator use in the book? Why is it significant?

Part 2) How does this point of view affect our perception of Wilhelm as a character? Why?

Part 3) How would the book be different if told from a different point of view?

Essay Topic 3

Family plays a significant role throughout the book, particularly the strained relationship between Wilhelm and his father, Dr. Adler. Choose one of the following options to write about:

1) Why is the relationship between Wilhelm and his father strained? What events help define for us the nature of their relationship? Does their relationship change by the end of the book? Why or why not?

2) Minor characters in Wilhelm's family also play a significant role. How do the characters of Catherine, Margaret, and Wilhelm's sons help to define Wilhelm as a character? What do they help us to understand about the story?

3) Compare and contrast Dr. Adler and Wilhelm. How are they the same? How are they different?

(see the answer keys)

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