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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Tamkin insist upon instead of going to the market?

2. How does Wilhelm arrive at the funeral?

3. How much does Wilhelm say he needs to get by for his wife and two boys per year?

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

5. What does a neurotic character do, according to Tamkin?

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

Poetry is quintessential to shaping this story, and reappears throughout the novel. Select one of the following topics:

1. When Wilhelm was sick, Margaret nursed him and read him poetry. In particular, he recalls a few lines of one of the poems she read. What is the significance of this poem? What does it mean for Wilhelm's character development? At what point in the story is this poem revealed? Why is this significant to the story?

2. Before going to the market, Tamkin gives Wilhelm a poem that he claims to have penned just for him. What is the significance of this poem? What does it mean for Wilhelm's character development? At what point in the story is this poem revealed? Why is this significant to the story?

3. Throughout the story, Wilhelm recalls a book of poetry he had read in college. Specifically, it's the line, "Sunk though he be beneath the wat'ry floor." What is the significance of this poem? What does it mean for Wilhelm's character development? Does the meaning of this statement change as we learn more about Wilhelm and the circumstances of his life?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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