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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 1933, what is the name of the Jewish boy who leaves Helmuth's class at school?

2. To how many generations can Helmuth prove that he does not have Jewish blood?

3. In 1933 who brings news of the emergency decree Hitler declares to Helmuth's grandparents?

4. What day does the executioner work in 1942?

5. In 1942, what breakfast does Helmuth remember his mother making?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In 1939 what happens to revenge the death of Nazi official, Ernst vom Rath?

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

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

5. In 1938 how does Helmuth feel when he writes an essay saying what his teacher Herr Vinke wants to hear?

6. Where is Helmuth on Day 264 in 1942 and what is he thinking?

7. in 1938 what questions does Helmuth asks that gets him in trouble and gets him and his classmates extra homework?

8. In 1938 why is Rudi interrogated by the Gestapo?

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

10. What does Helmuth ask his mother after Hugo returns from riots against the Jews in 1939, and what does she tell him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The novel is told from a third-person omniscient point of view. How does having an omniscient narrator help readers understand events and characters? How does the point of view determine how readers view the story and the characters?

Essay Topic 2

Helmuth considers his life as he writes his last letters to his family. Does Helmuth consider that his life had purpose? What purpose does he believe that his life had and why?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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