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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. How is Diotima described?

2. Why is there a conflict between Walter and Ulrich, according to Clarisse?

3. When did Arnheim do the majority of his traveling?

4. According to the author, why are some writers' situations strange?

5. Who are Gerda's parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ulrich and Gerda's relationship like as explained in Chapter 74?

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

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

4. What does Clarisse realize about the "man without qualities" in Chapter 97?

5. What was the course of the General's career development as outlined in Chapter 80?

6. What are some of the ideological debates going on in the Collateral Campaign in Chapter 89?

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

8. What do Ulrich and Gerda's parents talk about in Chapter 73?

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

10. What situation regarding an invitation develops in Chapter 80?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This novel was written in the early 20th century, yet many of its themes are still pertinent in today's society. How would today's readers interpret some of these issues differently? What are some significant changes that have occurred since the novel was written which would affect the way readers interpret it? What are some ideas or themes which are no longer relevant, and why aren't they?

Essay Topic 2

Ulrich and Gerda almost have an affair, but because they feel pressured, not because either of them really wants to. What message regarding social pressure is the author trying to convey with this interaction? Who was pressuring Ulrich and Gerda? What initially caused them to want to have an affair? What caused them to change their minds? What ramifications might this affair have had, and why?

Essay Topic 3

The author weighs in on the legal status of children and slaves as property of their parents and owners, respectively. Why were these laws put in place? What purpose were they intended to serve? When do these laws fail, and what is done in those cases? How have these laws changed since the book was written, and why? Do you think the author would approve of these changes?

(see the answer keys)

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