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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. The narrator surmises that the lead character may have what profession?

2. Bradshaw learns that Norris had spent time in which place?

3. What is the opening setting for the novella?

4. What item of Mr. Norris' is examined closely?

5. What does Piet reveal to Bradshaw in secrecy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe briefly what happened next to Norris.

2. What events take place in New Year's Eve? Who is present at the party?

3. What was the result of the upsetting news?

4. What is Norris' solution to evading the trouble brewing in Berlin?

5. What becomes obvious to Bradshaw over the next few days?

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

7. What does Fraulein Schroeder tell Bradshaw?

8. What does Bayer say that upsets Norris and Bradshaw?

9. How does the narrator describe Mr. Norris? How do the men meet?

10. What makes Mr. Norris appear nervous? Where does the event happen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is obvious that many of the characters in the book are homosexual or bisexual, although that precise word is never used. Why do you think Isherwood made many references to this behavior but avoided using any explicit reference to homosexuality and bisexuality? Cite various passages in the text that show a character's sexuality and discuss how it is referenced by Isherwood. Is Isherwood bisexual or homosexual? How do you know?

Essay Topic 2

The term "queer" is used many times throughout the book, although in different ways. For example, Isherwood admits to being queer; Fraulein Schroeder tells Bradshaw that he has queer friends. Explain what is meant by the word queer. Use at least three references from the book and give proper context to the word and its usage. How else might the word be used? Was it a popular term in the 1930s? What does it mean in today's society? What other words are similar?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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