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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. Who does Helmut pose with in his smiling picture?

2. Why is Mutti "clever" for having something on the table every night?

3. What does Lore have to give up to get more food and shelter for a night?

4. What does Leisel do to anger Lore?

5. What is Helmut's new job in 1945?

Short Essay Questions

1. Helmut does not ever speak of Germany's purge of its own population. Does Helmut, as a common civilian, know about the prison camps in other parts of Germany? Does it make a difference in his beliefs?

2. When the family eats their soup, Juri shyly offers his bread to Tomas. What does this indicate about Juri and his family?

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 Lore and her siblings walk on, some seem suspicious of their backgrounds but people usually help them anyway. Why do some people look at Lore's family with disdain but eventually help?

5. Tomas helps Lore and her family out of trouble and follows them. Why? What does he gain from the situation? Is he just being nice?

6. When the Americans question Lore, Tomas shows up with papers and tells them they are a family. What do the papers show and why does Seiffert mention a tattoo on Tomas' arm?

7. When the farmer's son taunts Lore and pushes her down, the twins throw rocks at him. What does this show about the children?

8. 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?

9. When Lore offers to buy food from the woman who gives her bread and milk, she asks if Lore has anything other than money. Why does the woman not prefer money?

10. Why is Lore's family moving around and hiding in the farm valley? From whom are they hiding?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Seiffert writes over many generations in the novel. World War II ended in 1945 yet Micha is affected in the late 1990s when he learns about his Opa. Write about how history affects the present. This paper may take one of two paths, politically or personally. Choose only one avenue.

Essay Topic 2

Micha ends his story with a visit to Oma's with Dilan. Why is it significant, not just in Micha's story, but also for the entire novel, that there is a relationship between Oma and the great-grandchild? What does this represent in regards to love and the consequences of war?

Essay Topic 3

Elena notes that for her love of a murderer her punishment is having no children. Detail why Elena might feel she should be punished for her husband's action. How is love and punishment related?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,355 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample