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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. According to the author in Chapter 92, what belief is commonly held by rich people?

2. According to the author, what would have been the best course of action for Arnheim in Chapter 86?

3. What is Ulrich doing in Chapter 84 as part of his service to the Count?

4. Arnheim has traveled extensively in what areas of the world?

5. Who is Soliman?

Short Essay Questions

1. What theory does Ulrich develop in Chapter 91?

2. What point does the author make in Chapter 88 about the value of books?

3. What do Ulrich and General Stumm say about Diotima in Chapter 85?

4. Who is Goethe, and how does Arnheim feel about him as described in Chapter 96?

5. What is the author's digression in relation to the forces of nature in Chapter 75?

6. According to the narrator in Chapter 92, why is Arnheim different from many rich people?

7. How is the relationship between Diotima and Arnheim described in Chapter 93?

8. What is Ulrich's relationship with Count Leinsdorf in Chapter 81?

9. Who is Aunt Jane, and what is her history as outlined in Chapter 99?

10. How did Soliman meet Rachel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Arnheim, Ulrich, and others all have different attitudes toward material wealth and what it means. Why is the significance of wealth so subjective? Why do rich and poor have different attitudes toward it? How does Arnheim's attitude toward wealth differ as a result of being born into a family with money, and why? Do you think our attitudes toward wealth in modern society are different from when the book was written?

Essay Topic 2

Ulrich is described by Clarisse in terms of the novel's title. He is the "man without qualities." What does Clarisse mean by this? Why is Ulrich described this way? Is it possible for someone to be completely without qualities? Do you agree with this description of Ulrich?

Essay Topic 3

Nationality is an important concept in this novel. Several characters are identified by their nationality, and all of the characters have a strong sense of patriotic pride. Why is nationality so important? Which characters feel the strongest regarding their nationalities? Would contemporary readers have shared this strong sense of national pride? Is this something that has changed between the time the novel was written and now?

(see the answer keys)

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