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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. Where did Wertheimer's sister sneak to in secret?

2. What does the narrator examine as he waits for his hot tea?

3. Why was Wertheimer a failure from the beginning?

4. What changed the emotions of the Wertheimer family?

5. What does the narrator compare Desselbrunn to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the power of condemnation.

2. Discuss Wertheimer's religious views.

3. How is the innkeeper a contradictory character?

4. How did Wertheimer feel about his unhappiness?

5. How does Franz feel about Wertheimer and his death?

6. Describe why the innkeeper became the innkeeper.

7. Explain why Wertheimer's sister felt uncomfortable in Traich.

8. Describe Wertheimer's funeral.

9. What is significant about the end of "The Loser"?

10. How are Traich and Desselbrunn compared?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the time of action, as well as setting of the novel. How are the events that transpire written?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the narrator's opinion of Glenn with that of the narrator's opinion of Wertheimer. Support your statements with examples and quotes from "The Loser."

Essay Topic 3

Explain the importance of "Goldberg Variations" and how it serves as an antagonist to Wertheimer and the narrator. Support your statements with examples and quotes from "The Loser."

(see the answer keys)

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