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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. In Hitler's eyes, Einstein is guilty because he is all BUT WHICH of the following?

2. During his tour of America, Einstein is beginning to have grave concerns about what situation at home in Germany?

3. Why does Einstein agree to write to the President to discuss the atomic bomb?

4. The author ends the book by quoting what important person?

5. During the racial purge of German Universities, which of the following groups are NOT fired?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe and explain Einstein's answer to the reporter who asks about the political climate in Germany. Why is Einstein so careful in answering?

2. What does Einstein's behavior after Elsa's death in Chapter Thirteen tell the reader about him? Is he insensitive?

3. Explain why the author calls Einstein a false prophet at the beginning of Chapter Eight.

4. Why is Hitler's persecution of Einstein as a Jew ironic? Explain.

5. What reason does Einstein give for wishing to cooperate particularly with American scientists?

6. Explain why Einstein, a former pacifist, agrees to speak to President Roosevelt about the creation of an atomic bomb.

7. Einstein brings national attention to Germany, so it seems logical that Hitler celebrates Einstein's success. This is not the case. Why?

8. Describe the boat incident in Chapter Thirteen, and explain what the reader learns about Einstein from this story.

9. Explain Einstein's worries about the German Republic and his disturbing revelation in Marseilles.

10. Why is Einstein happier at Princeton University than he is at previous appointments?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Given today's standards of what a father should be, is Einstein a success or a failure as a parent? Is he a combination of both? The author does not state how often Einstein sees his children after his divorce from Mileva; given his previous parental behavior, what level of involvement can the reader surmise he has in raising the children after the divorce?

Essay Topic 2

Albert Einstein is a problem student. Is he too lazy to learn, or does his school system fail him? Use supporting material from the text and discuss in detail the challenge of teaching Einstein. What other great scholars or artists are difficult students?

Essay Topic 3

Given the effects of his work, is Einstein a hero or a villain? Support either assertion with examples of people with similar strengths or weaknesses.

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