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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 does Ulrich do when he encounters a prostitute in Chapter 122?

2. How did Gerda meet Hans Sepp?

3. The people wish that there were a living generation to experience what, according to Chapter 108?

4. What is the concept of "diminished responsibility," as defined in Chapter 110?

5. How does Ulrich view Arnheim, according to the information presented in Chapter 112?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is said about the Kakanians in Chapter 108?

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

4. What information is presented in Chapter 102 regarding Hans Sepp?

5. What changes in Chapter 117 for Rachel?

6. What information does Gerda gain in Chapter 119, and how?

7. What happens to Bonadea in Chapter 115?

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

9. Who does Ulrich encounter in Chapter 122, and how does he respond?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Moosbrugger is used by the author to relate several messages regarding how people judge one another. How do outsiders view Moosbrugger, and why? Why are they interested in him and his situation? How do they view the crime he committed? What is the theory of "diminished responsibility," and how does it relate to Moosbrugger, and people's opinion of him?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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