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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. Who does Ashe introduce Leamas to in Chapter 7?

2. How does Karl try to cross the German border?

3. What is this person who visits Liz while Leamas is in prison interested in knowing?

4. Once Elvira crosses the German border, what does she report to Leamas?

5. During Leamas' meeting with Control, what is revealed as Leamas' job for the last few years?

Short Essay Questions

1. Leamas sees something when he leaves Liz's apartment after spending the night for the first time. What does it tell Leamas?

2. What shooting rule do the West German guards operate under?

3. Describe the choice Leamas makes in Chapter 3 about who he hangs out with. Why does he make that choice.

4. Based on the description of Leamas in Chapter 2, list 3 adjectives that describe him physically.

5. Most of Leamas' information about Fielder and Mundt is based on what?

6. In Chapter 7, why does Leamas get a bit aggressive and state that he only wants to negotiate the deal with Kiever (instead of Ashe)?

7. In Chapter 5, why does Leamas tell Liz to leave and never come back?

8. Name 3 things you learn about Leamas' life in Chapter 8.

9. What reaction does Liz have to George Smiley's visit?

10. How does Leamas spend his time in prison after attacking the grocer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The truth can be hard to find within The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. While finding the truth is part of the plot, it also proves to be a challenge for the reader. Select three "facts" that the reader must assume, at the beginning of the story, are true in order for the rest of the book to be believable. Then show, using specific examples from the text, how those "facts" are later proven to be untrue, and how le Carre exposes their falsity.

Essay Topic 2

Leamas' final choice at the end of the novel can be seen as a bit controversial. Write a 2-3 page paper, using evidence from the text, arguing that Leamas' choice was not surprising based on what you know about his character. Then, write a 2-3 page paper, using evidence from the text, aruging that Leamas' choice was completely surprising based on what you know about his character.

Essay Topic 3

Complete a character analysis of one of the following characters: Liz, Leamas, Control, or Mundt. Make sure to address how their character changes throughout the story, what role their character plays in the story, and what significant things happen to them throughout the text. Additionally, make sure to use quotations from the text to provide evidence for your analysis.

(see the answer keys)

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