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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 color are Karla's eyes?

2. Who does Jim have tracing Mendel's steps?

3. How long had Aleks been in London before Circus knew about him?

4. How many weeks does Alleline go between producing his first report and the three more he does later?

5. Who is Aleks?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Smiley discover about Toby when studying the Operation Witchcraft financial figures?

2. What does the memo that Smiley finds addressing J.P. Ribble say?

3. Why does Control stop working with the Circus?

4. Why is the Matron worried about Bill Roach?

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

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

7. Why does Alleline want to know if Guilliam has met with Tarr?

8. What makes Bill Roach sick?

9. Why is Smiley suspicious about Tarr during their conversation in Chapter 9?

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

What is the significance of Martindale's story that Control is not actually dead? Why is it important that Smiley does not believe it for a second? What are his reasons for not believing the story? What does it say about him that he refuses to believe the story? Is it significant that Martindale seemed to believe it until he realized Smiley did not?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Explore the order Le Carre tells the story in. Why do you think he begins the story in the middle of the narrative? What techniques does he use to switch from the past to the present and back in the story? Cite three examples and explain how he transitions. Is it ever hard to tell if the narrative is in the past or the present? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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