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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. In Chapter 6, who found Ulrich in a dreadful condition and sent him home in a cab?

2. According to Ulrich in Chapter 11, what was the paradoxical power of engineering?

3. What was the position in the country that was held by Diotoma's husband in Chapter 25?

4. Where did Musil spend most of his life?

5. For which of the following did Diotoma carry the proverbial torch in Chapter 26?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 30 during Moosbrugger's trial, what was brought to light as having strange effects?

2. Describe Arnheim and Diotima's relationship in Chapter 41.

3. Describe the premise behind Moosbrugger's sentence in Chapter 60.

4. Describe Musil's observations about civil engineers in Chapter 10.

5. What comparison did Ulrich make between Moosbrugger and his relationship with Bonadea?

6. What did Musil say about morality in Chapter 50?

7. Describe the contrast that Diotima experienced in her relationship with her husband and the Count regarding her new salon business venture.

8. Why did Soliman get jealous and angry when he grew up?

9. How did Clarisse compare her husband with Ulrich in Chapter 15?

10. How did Ulrich's affair with Bonadea end in Chapter 34?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Man Without Qualities is particularly effective in conveying meaning through powerful imagery--powerful imagery to establish connections in the minds of readers with the story's characters and plot. Imagery is the picture that we form in our minds of the story that we read. It can involve visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, and kinesthetic senses. The author uses imagery to translate words into a visual story that we can see and participate with in our minds. Describe the use of imagery in this novel.

Essay Topic 2

Murder and violence appear throughout The Man Without Qualities. Who commits murder? Who is violent? In what ways are characters violent or abusive? What is their effect on other characters and their lives? Do those characters change over time? Why or why not? Describe.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the title, The Man Without Qualities? How does it relate to the protagonist Ulrich and in particular to the main theme of the book? What did the author mean by titling the book The Man Without Qualities? Cite an example from the book to support your answer.

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This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample