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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 “The Lawyer – The Factory-Owner – The Painter” means patently evident or certain; unquestionable?

2. What word from “In the Cathedral” refers to an ornamental rail with supports?

3. At what time does the Italian Businessman suggest meeting K. at the cathedral in “In the Cathedral”?

4. What does the Priest call out as K. attempts to slip out of the cathedral in “In the Cathedral”?

5. K. understands that it is his duty to do what with the knife in “The End”?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the character of Titorelli represent symbolically in The Trial?

2. How can K.’s character be seen as a reflection of Adam from the Bible in The Trial?

3. In what way is K.’s character similar to Job from the Old Testament?

4. How does the ambiguous court system in The Trial relate to the historical context of anti-Semitism?

5. How is the character of Titorelli described in “The Lawyer – The Factory-Owner – The Painter”?

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

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

8. Who does K. meet with in his office in “The Lawyer – The Factory-Owner – The Painter”? What does this character give to K.?

9. How is the setting described in the opening of “The End”? Where is K. taken?

10. What is Uncle Karl’s attitude when he arrives at the bank in “His Uncle – Leni”?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the existentialist, absurdist, surrealist, and experimental modernist movements of literature. How do critics and scholars define the style of Kafka’s works? What different genres comprise Kafka’s body of works? What elements of these literary styles can be seen in The Trial?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the character of the Examining Magistrate in “The First Hearing.” What is this character’s power within the courtroom? How does the Examining Magistrate greet K.? What does this character represent symbolically in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Examine and discuss K.’s actions, objectives, and obstacles in returning to the court in the opening of “In the Empty Conference Hall – The Student – The Offices.” Why does K. assume the courtroom will be in session? What are his concerns about returning? What does he find at this location?

(see the answer keys)

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