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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. What famous writer said a library was an act of faith?

2. What does Richter and Henker translate to in English?

3. What do Mussolini, Chamberlain and Daladier sign on September 30th?

4. What do the Austrian people boycott on April 23?

5. Who died on November 21, 1916?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Austrian government react to the atrocities of World War Two?

2. Why does the author think the Japanese are so good with their hands?

3. In what way were conditions worsening at the end of Chapter 23?

4. How is it suggested that the American took advantage of the Japanese during their occupation of the country?

5. How did Anna save the netsuke?

6. Why did Iggy like Japan?

7. Why does Edmund think Emmy had so many lovers over the years?

8. What signs are there in Chapter 24 that the Nazis are taking over?

9. What was Elisabeth's passion as a student?

10. Describe Emmy's relationship with her children.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does de Waal learn about his family in the book? Why is it so important for him to know about his family? How will this new knowledge about his family help him?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the author's writing style. How would you describe the author's prose style? What kind of vocabulary does he use? What meaning does the author's style give to the story?

Essay Topic 3

Which family member in the book does de Waal identify with the most? Why does he identify with that particular family member? How do think they would have gotten along if they had met in real life?

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