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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. When does Helmuth's mother have a new boyfriend?

2. In 1928, what street do Helmuth and his mother walk?

3. In 1932, what type of tea does Oma make?

4. In 1928, where do Helmuth and his mother live?

5. At the end of February 1933, what does Helmuth dream about?

Short Essay Questions

1. In 1932, where and how is Helmuth playing with toy solidiers?

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

3. In a radio speech in 1933, what does Hitler say about communism?

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

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

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

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

8. In 1932, what do Helmuth's grandparents fear?

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

10. In 1942, what does Helmuth do when a loud bell clangs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Helmuth is labeled as a non-conformist when he questions a picture that shows a sailor holding the flag above the sea while he drowns. In what ways is Helmuth a non-conformist? How does being a non-conformist affect the way that Helmuth struggles to fit in with the Hitler Youth and other aspects of the Nazi regime?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

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This section contains 808 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample