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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 is confronted in a drunken episode?

2. A man with what title accompanies Norris to the party?

3. Who greets Bradshaw upon his return?

4. Who intercepts Norris as he tries to leave Berlin?

5. Who is interested in the Baron because of his true profession?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information was contained in Norris' last postcard to Bradshaw?

2. In addition to watching all the activity around him, what mystery does Bradshaw attempt to solve?

3. What happens as the night wears on? Who is involved?

4. The narrator makes what declaration about the election results?

5. What action takes place in the beginning of the chapter? Who was involved in the action and what was the result?

6. Describe at least part of the conversation regarding Norris' financial situation.

7. What happens the following morning? What information does Bradshaw gather?

8. Describe the communiqué received by Bradshaw. What were the contents? Who sent it?

9. Discuss the party planned by Norris and the outcome.

10. What precipitates the meeting between Bradshaw and Piet? Where does it occur?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the peculiar relationship between Norris and Schmidt. Was the relationship purely professional? Why did the men repeatedly get back together if the relationship was volatile? Why do you think Schmidt followed Norris to Mexico and California? Why did Norris put up with Schmidt's drunken abuse? What do you think Schmidt knew about Norris that others did not?

Essay Topic 2

Bradshaw talks about the persecution of the Jews at the hand of Hitler and the SS. Aside from the horror of the deaths, Bradshaw cannot help but think of his friends that are Jewish. Bradshaw wonders which have been tortured and which are dead. How would you feel in Bradshaw's shoes? Is there anything Bradshaw could have done to protect his friends? Does Bradshaw ever find out what happened to Rudi and the others?

Essay Topic 3

Bradshaw and Norris meet on a train on their way to Berlin. The train is often used as a mode of transportation in literature. Why do you think the train has such a reputation as a meeting place in literature? Name at least three other stories or books that begin with characters meeting for the first time on a train. Do you think that the characters can get to know each other well in such a short period of time? Would the same story evolve if the characters had met on an airplane or bus? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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