The Angel of History: A Novel Quiz

Take our free The Angel of History quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

What is the symbolic value of Jacob’s reference to Doc helping him with the dishes? (from Section 12, pages 261 - 277)

Jacob sees the gesture of helping with the dishes as a gesture of support during his grief.

Jacob sees the gesture of helping with the dishes as a suggestion that Doc saw Greg as a mess to be cleaned up after.

Jacob sees the gesture as one of finality – Doc is saying his life is over.

Jacob sees the gesture as one of finality – Doc is saying he wants Jacob out of his life.

What is a jambiya, and why is it significant to the story? (from Section 5, pages 105 - 130)

A jambiya is an article of ceremonial clothing, given to a girl as a symbol of her becoming a woman: the young Jacob reacts with joy when he is given his, thinking it means his true self is being recognized. .

A jambiya is a ceremonial knife, given to a boy as a symbol of his becoming a man: the young Jacob reacts fearfully when he is given his, hating the thought that he owns something that could kill.

A jambiya is an article of ceremonial clothing, given to a boy as a symbol of his becoming a man: the young Jacob reacts with joy when he is given his, thinking is going to be able to get rid of his same-sex attraction.

A jambiya is a large ceremonial stone, given to a boy as a symbol of his becoming a man: the young Jacob reacts fearfully when he is given his, hating the thought that he owns something that could kill.

Who is Odette? (from Section 2, pages 24-57)

The woman who befriended Jacob in the whorehouse where he grew up.

One of the saints that Satan interviews.

Jacob’s former roommate and current best friend.

Jacob’s cat.

What representation of healing, given to Jacob by Ferrigno, does he reject in favor of a representation of healing given to him by Satan? (from Section 13, pages 278 - 294)

Jacob rejects Ferrigno’s pills and accepts Satan’s suggestion that he banish the Helpers from his life forever.

Jacob rejects the pen Ferrigno offered him earlier, and accepts Satan’s suggestion that he take pills and kill himself.

Jacob rejects Ferrigno’s pills, and accepts Satan’s suggestion that he heal through writing.

Jacob rejects Ferrigno’s offer to have sex, and accepts Satan’s suggestion that he heal through writing.

When Death describes Jacob as having “put on the mask at an early age” (243), what mask does he most likely mean? (from Section 11, pages 240 - 260)

The mask of being white.

The mask of being a Christian.

The mask of being an artist.

The mask of masculinity.