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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 did Wertheimer demand of his guests at the feast he prepared?

2. What reason does the narrator repeatedly give for Wertheimer's suicide?

3. How long did Wertheimer lay in bed after he entertained his guests?

4. Who did Wertheimer play better than?

5. Why did Wertheimer commit suicide?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How are Traich and Desselbrunn compared?

3. According to the narrator, what is important about judging?

4. Describe Wertheimer's funeral.

5. How is the innkeeper a contradictory character?

6. Describe the abuse Wertheimer's sister underwent from Wertheimer.

7. What was significant about the Steinway the narrator gave away?

8. Discuss the power of condemnation.

9. Describe the innkeeper's relationship with Wertheimer.

10. Why does the narrator return to his apartment after Wertheimer's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the motif of despair and loss among the trio of friends. Explain in order from greatest suffering to least suffering. Who suffers and loses the most during their lifetime?Support your statements with examples and quotes from "The Loser."

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the identity of the true loser of "The Loser." Explain how each friend of the trio is a loser in his own way, then choose and explain who you think the true loser is. Support your statements with examples and quotes from "The Loser."

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the paradox of Wertheimer's motivation to take his own life because he wanted to keep his unhappiness. Support your statements with examples and quotes from "The Loser."

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This section contains 682 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample