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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 name does Tarr put on his fake passport?

2. What musical lesson is Bill leaving when he spies on Jim in his trailer?

3. How many people are on the Soviet plane that leaves Hong Kong?

4. What does Tarr find that Irina leaves him?

5. Who calls Smiley at the end of Chapter 19?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lacon apologize to Smiley after he hears about the contents of Irina's diary?

2. Why does Tarr become angry and lunge at Smiley?

3. Why do Guilliam and Smiley keep a secret from Tarr at the end of Chapter 22?

4. Why is the Matron worried about Bill Roach?

5. How does Bill Roach feel about himself as the novel opens?

6. What happens to Connie when she tries to investigate Polyakov?

7. Describe the reports that Alleline turns in that secure his job as the head of the Circus.

8. What does Guilliam tell Smiley about how British intelligence operates in his absence?

9. How is Connie able to help Smiley?

10. Why does Lacon become upset with Smiley in Chapter 15?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the relationship between Tarr and Irina. How does their relationship drive the story's plot? What do you think Tarr and Irina see in each other? Why do you think Tarr is so concerned with helping Irina? Why is it important that he break procedure to help her?

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of Haydon's death? Why do you think the author decided to kill his character off at the end? What do you think the author wants his reader to take away from his death? How does his death move the story along? Why is it important that Smiley does not know who killed Haydon?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of all the interviews Smiley does? Why is it important that he must rely on recollections of others to solve his mystery? Cite three instances where Smiley must rely on interviews for information and tell how each one is significant and how each drives the plot.

(see the answer keys)

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