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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What motivates Helmut to exercise his arm?
(a) He wants to join the army.
(b) He wants to make Gladigau proud.
(c) He wants to impress Edda.
(d) He believes it will help him be a better photographer.

2. Who does Juri offer his bread to despite his own hunger?
(a) Peter.
(b) Leisel, who is sick.
(c) The old woman.
(d) A young man they see at the shop and at the soup line.

3. What will become of Berlin?
(a) It will be rebuilt to original plans.
(b) It will be autonomous.
(c) It will be divided.
(d) It will be under Soviet rule.

4. When does Helmut begin to take pictures of Berlin again?
(a) During the summer months.
(b) During the winter months.
(c) When the refugees and veterans fill the streets of Berlin again.
(d) Immediately after the bombings take place.

5. Where do Lore and her siblings sleep on their second night?
(a) In a young man's home.
(b) In a barn.
(c) Outside on the ground.
(d) On a cart.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do patrons at the shop give instead of money for food?

2. What does Lore see in some public pictures?

3. Who are the people that are leaving the city and where are they going?

4. How is Helmut's family best described in the photo at the ice cream shop?

5. What is Helmut's ritual when bombs fall in closely?

Short Essay Questions

1. Gladigau is first Papi's, then Helmut's employer. Gladigau does more than just pay his workers. How is Gladigau an important figure, especially to Helmut?

2. The new train station guard does not like Helmut immediately. Only after knowing Helmut's current situation, does he help Helmut. Why does the train station guard act this way? What does that say about the bombings in Berlin?

3. Germany attacks its neighbors and gains more lands that are prosperous. Neither Helmut nor anyone in his neighborhood seems to argue the Third Reich's actions. In fact, many boys are signing up to fight the war. Why would some Germans welcome the war and the push into other countries?

4. As part of Papi's pay, Gladigau takes family portraits while Helmut grows up. How do the family portraits play a role in this story and what progression is observed from when Helmut is a newborn to the last individual photo?

5. Mutti and Papi love their son, but there is a stubborn denial that there is anything wrong with Helmut. What does it finally take them to accept the truth and how do they handle it?

6. Helmut notices the city is emptying. More people are leaving on the trains and less are returning. This is a mystery and Seiffert never explicitly offers an explanation. Why not?

7. At the beginning of the war efforts, Helmut is intent on joining the army. Despite his arm, he is adamant about joining. Why is the army so vital in Helmut's life?

8. Helmut has the opportunity to work as a soldier five years into the war. What are Helmut's thoughts and feelings towards being a soldier?

9. Refugees come through Berlin and some speak of a brutal Soviet army the size of a continent. Others deny their truths and say it is not so. Why is it hard to know what is true and what is not? Who is right?

10. Helmut is cast to the side with the weak during physical education. Helmut tries to "prove himself" for whom and why?

(see the answer keys)

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