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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 is the name of the KGB bigwig that acts as control for the mole?

2. What is the name of Guilliam's girlfriend?

3. Where was Ellis shot?

4. Who is worried about Bill at the beginning of Chapter 24?

5. What is the name of Smiley's wife?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the form that Alleline makes Guilliam sign?

3. How is Connie able to help Smiley?

4. Why does Control stop working with the Circus?

5. What does Smiley discover in nine reports that Guilliam brings him?

6. What does Guilliam learn about the annexes during his run at the archives?

7. Why does Smiley memorize cars in his London neighborhood?

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

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

10. What tasks does Guilliam perform for Smiley at Brixton?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore Smiley's dedication to British intelligence. Why do you think he goes back to help the Circus find the mole? Why do you think he goes to back to head the Circus temporarily after the ordeal is over? What does this decision say about him? What do you think will happen when he goes back?

Essay Topic 2

Explore the character Bill Roach. Why do you think he plays such a large role in Jim's part of the story? What does he represent? Do you think it is important that he share a first name with Haydon?

Essay Topic 3

What role does Connie Sachs play in the story? What purpose does she serve? How does she help move the narrative of the story along? Why do you think Smiley puts so much trust in her? How do you think the story would be different without her?

(see the answer keys)

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