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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 1942, what color prison smock does Helmuth wear?

2. In 1939 how old is Helmuth?

3. In 1938, what is Gerhard studying?

4. In 1938, how many of the 60 million Germans are Jews?

5. In 1939 who promises to support Poland if Germany threatens to invade?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Treaty of Versailles and how did it affect Germany?

2. In 1933, why is Helmuth shocked that his school teacher says that Benno Seligmann and his family are traitors?

3. In 1928 what does Helmuth see on the street when he is walking with his mother and half-brothers?

4. After a radio speech Hitler makes in 1933, what does Helmuth's grandfather say about Hitler?

5. In 1939, why does Hugo say that laws like not listening to foreign radio stations are necessary during wartime?

6. In 1932, what suggestion does Gerhard make when he sees Helmuth playing with toy soldiers?

7. Who is Hugo Hubener?

8. What is the Hitler Youth group, and how do its members dress?

9. In 1938 what do Helmuth and Rudi decide to do together?

10. What does Helmuth fear in 1942 and why is he relieved after breakfast arrives?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the trial, Helmuth takes full responsibility for his actions. Why does he decide to take all responsibility for the pamphlets and their distribution? What does he hope to accomplish by taking the blame, and does he succeed in achieving his purpose?

Essay Topic 2

The novel takes place in Germany during Hitler’s rise to power and World War II. Does the setting serve as a backdrop or does it almost take on the role of a character? How does the setting evoke feelings and set the tone in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Helmuth learns from BBC broadcasts that Germany is not truthful about the progress of the war and uses propaganda to mask Germany’s losses. What propaganda does Hitler use? How does he use propaganda to control the German people? How is propaganda used to motivate the German people into supporting the war?

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