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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 do Ulrich and Arnheim talk about in Chapter 121?

2. What type of person is Ulrich in terms of his relationships?

3. What phrase is used to describe the Kakanians in Chapter 108?

4. How did Gerda meet Hans Sepp?

5. Ulrich notices in Chapter 122 that Arnheim refers to Goethe in what way?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the author trying to demonstrate through Ulrich and Gerda's actions in Chapter 119?

2. What information is given by the General in Chapter 116?

3. What is the concept of "diminished responsibility" as outlined in Chapter 111?

4. Who is Bonadea, and what is her history with Ulrich?

5. What do Ulrich and Arnheim say about Moosbrugger in Chapter 121?

6. What happens between Rachel and Soliman in Chapter 104?

7. What does Ulrich realize about himself in Chapter 103?

8. What is the status of Diotima and Arnheim's relationship in Chapter 105?

9. What is revealed about Arnheim in Chapter 116?

10. What happens between Ulrich and Gerda in Chapter 119?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

All of the main characters are involved in politics on some level. What does the Collateral Campaign do? What is its goal? What is the difference between practical and ideological politics? Which is more useful, and why? What are some of the major political issues at hand, and how do the main characters feel about them? What is each character's role in influencing politics on a local and national level?

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

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?

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