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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 word from “Block, the Corn Merchant – The Dismissal of the Lawyer” means characterized by sickly sentimentality?

2. What word from “The Lawyer – The Factory-Owner – The Painter” means patently evident or certain; unquestionable?

3. In Erna’s letter to Uncle Karl in “His Uncle – Leni,” Erna says that K. sent her what gift for her “name day”?

4. What word from “The Lawyer – The Factory-Owner – The Painter” means to clear of an accusation?

5. What sound is described in “Block, the Corn Merchant – The Dismissal of the Lawyer” as signifying the start of one’s trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the parable from “In the Cathedral” relate to the story as a whole?

2. How is the character of Leni described in “His Uncle – Leni”?

3. How has K.’s plight as an individual against society turned out in “The End”?

4. What element of symbolism in The Trial connects K. to the theme of “Original Sin”?

5. How does Block explain the predominance of superstition amongst the defendants in “Block, the Corn Merchant – The Dismissal of the Lawyer”?

6. What does Uncle Karl relate to K. about his actions and their reflection on the family in “His Uncle – Leni”?

7. In what ways does K. demonstrate the theme of the individual versus society in The Trial?

8. How would you characterize the relationship between Block and Dr. Huld in “Block, the Corn Merchant – The Dismissal of the Lawyer”?

9. How does the author employ the use of shadows and ambiguity in the novel? What does this represent?

10. Who does K. meet inside the cathedral in “In the Cathedral”? What does this character relate to K.?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of gender roles and expectations in the novel. How does K. perceive the women around him? How are K.’s actions toward these female characters different from his actions toward male characters?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the characters of Uncle Karl and Erna in the narrative. What relationship did K. have with his uncle growing up? What does K.’s uncle learn from Erna regarding K.’s trial? How does Uncle Karl feel about K.’s trial?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze K.’s objectives and obstacles when he commits to the action of kissing Fraülein Bürstner in “A Conversation with Frau Grubach.” What does K. hope to achieve through this action? Is he successful? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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