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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 1938, how old is Gerhard?

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

3. In 1933, what ages of boys belong to the Hitler Youth?

4. In 1932, when does Helmuth's mother dress for work?

5. In 1942, what day is it?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In 1933, what happens when Herr Seligmann tries to wash off the insults off his shop windows?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Gerhard goes to serve in Paris, Helmuth gains some freedom from his mother and stepfather. How does Helmuth gain personal freedom when Gerhard leaves to serve in Paris? How does that freedom affect his thinking and the decisions that he makes?

Essay Topic 2

Helmuth and his mother sometimes retreat into silence rather than argue. When are some times that Helmuth and his mother retreat into silence? With whom are they most likely to be silent? Why are they silent rather than standing up for what they believe?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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