View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the distinguishing physical characteristic of Herr Karl Glocken?

2. How many Americans are on board the ship?

3. What is a group of people waiting to do?

4. With what type of company is Herr William Freytag associated?

5. The book is what type of literature?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the Spanish people and why do they create such a stir among the passengers?

2. What is the destination of La Condesa?

3. What is the relationship between Captain Thiele and La Condesa?

4. Why is Dr. Schumann summoned to La Condesa's cabin?

5. What does Captain Thiele say to indicate his true feelings about the Jews.

6. Explain the author's basis for the novel.

7. What is the setting for the novel?

8. Which group of people is getting off the ship at this point?

9. Why are the passengers so reluctant to go to the fiesta on board?

10. Where does the ship dock as this chapter begins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the symbolism of the Spanish dancing troupe? What purpose do they serve for the story? Why has the author included them? Why are the other characters so averse to them? Why do they make themselves so unlikable?

Essay Topic 2

The book is written in three chapters of vastly differing lengths. What is the purpose of writing the book in this way? What is the author trying to convey with this style?

Essay Topic 3

The author includes the character of Herr Lowenthal who makes his living selling Catholic articles even though he is a Jewish man. Explain the irony in this situation. Are there any other reasons the author included Herr Lowenthal in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 865 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample