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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. In what year does Anton return to Haarlem for the first time since he was 12?

2. Who moved into the Korteweg's house?

3. How does Anton react to the events of the night of the assault?

4. Why does Mrs. Beumer believe that Peter lost his life?

5. How does Anton travel to Haarlem in the Second Episode?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the guests talking about at the birthday party in the Second Episode?

2. Why does Peter want to move the body of Fake Ploeg?

3. Why does Anton not know about the memorial to the Resistance hostages until Mrs. Beumer tells him?

4. Describe the neighborhood in which Anton grows up.

5. In the Second Episode, why does Anton leave the birthday party early?

6. When returning to his neighborhood for the first time since the assault, how does Anton respond to Mrs. Beumer's invitation to come inside?

7. What are the similarities between the author Harry Mulisch and the character Anton?

8. How are Anton's parents different from the others listed on the memorial?

9. After the liberation, how does Anton find out whether his parents are dead or alive?

10. Describe the relationship between Anton and the Van Liempts.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The issue of guilt is a theme throughout "The Assault". Several people could be accused of contributing to the death of Anton's parents. Consider the following characters and defend why or why not you consider that person guilty of Mr. and Mrs. Steenwijk's death: the German soldiers, Cor Takes, Fake Ploeg, Mr. and Mrs. Steenwijk.

Essay Topic 2

It could be argued that the lack of justice is more obvious than its presence in "The Assault". Summarize three instances of injustice from any of the episodes.

Essay Topic 3

Although Anton encounters her for only a few hours, Truus Coster plays an important role. Who is this woman, what is her part in the shooting of Cor Takes, and how does she influence Anton?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 758 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample