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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. With whom is Herr Wilibald Graf traveling?

2. What kind of business did Herr Karl Glocken own in Mexico?

3. What do the local people try to get from the travelers?

4. In what month of the year does the story take place?

5. What do the passengers have to obtain from the official offices?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author begin the novel?

2. What is the nature of the Baumgartners' fight at the party?

3. Who are the Swiss passengers on the ship?

4. Describe the confrontation between Herr Hansen and Herr Rieber.

5. How do Jenny and Willhelm Freytag meet?

6. What argument between Johann and his uncle makes Johann late for the fiesta?

7. Who are Ric and Rac?

8. What odd behavior does Mrs. Treadwell exhibit in her room after the party?

9. What does Dr. Schumann think as he watches the people board?

10. Who conducts the Sunday morning religious services on the ship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author includes much symbolism in the story. Consider the main symbols of a German ship with several German passengers headed for Germany. What does she mean by this? Also consider the fact that Americans Jenny and David wanted to debark elsewhere but are forced to sail on to the end point of Germany. What it meant by this. Consider the world political stage before answering.

Essay Topic 2

When the Spanish dancers are outraged that a carriage driver charges for each passenger as opposed to one flat fee, the author writes about the Spanish dancers in this way: "'Look, Senor, this carriage is for six persons, you are ten. I charge by the passenger.' 'That's mere robbery,' said Pancho, 'I will not pay it.'" What literary technique is used in this example? What is the author trying to say about the Spanish dancers?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the book's title?

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