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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 type of communication did Ulrich find among the people whom he studied and worked with in Chapter 10?

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

3. What was the defendant on trial for in Chapter 30?

4. How many children did the woman who rescued Ulrich have?

5. Which of the following was Robert Musil's nationality?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Rachel.

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

4. What took Moosbrugger back into the public limelight in Chapter 53?

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

6. Describe Soliman.

7. Describe Ulrich's view of Napoleon in Chapter 9 and contrast it with the American view.

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

9. What did Arnheim say about the arts in Chapter 40?

10. Describe Musil's observations of old age and youth in Chapter 45.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of foreshadowing in The Man Without Qualities. Explain what foreshadowing is and cite at least two examples, making sure to explain what makes each an example of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Explain Musil's use of humor in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances in which humor is apparent, and explain why the author used humor where he did.

Essay Topic 3

The "hovering life" is a theme that Musil introduces in the Man Without Qualities. What does that phrase mean? How does it relate to science and to the mystical? What does Musil ultimately say about intuition and analysis through the characters of Ulrich and Bonadea? What is the importance of that discovery and the characters' role?

(see the answer keys)

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