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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. After his return, what did Levi's religious friend think?

2. What language does Levi speak after the war?

3. When people first heard of Nazi death camps, what was the reaction?

4. Which of the following was NOT a common justification that Nazis used when confessing?

5. What does Levi think most survivors feel at Liberation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the Nazis hope as the tide of war turned in 1942?

2. According to Levi, why do oppressors suppress memories?

3. Explain the concept of "convenient truth."

4. Why did survivors not feel the happiness at liberation that is portrayed in literature and movies?

5. What was the classic militiamen defense that Eichmann and Hoss used?

6. What happeneds to people who become sonderkommandos?

7. Why does Levi think prisoners are beyond neuroses?

8. According to Levi, which memories seem to be universal?

9. What is Primo Levi's theory about judging any people associated with the lagers?

10. Why does Primo Levi write about his experiences?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many survivors, Levi included, tell their stories so that the world can learn from their experience. We know that genocide has happened since World War II in different parts of the world. Analyze the extent to which you think hearing survivors' stories helps prevent another atrocity.

Essay Topic 2

This is a book that has more than one theme. In your mind, what is the main theme of the book? Discuss how it is explored throughout the book.

Essay Topic 3

Why are survivors' stories an important part of understanding the Holocaust and World War II. Why might survivors' stories not tell us the complete picture?

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