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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. Who is the priest who introduces himself to Schramm?

2. Schramm began to believe that money should not be spent on those who are _________.

3. What does Renzo act as in order to evade the capture by the Germans when Duno arrives?

4. Who is not really a criminal but went to jail in place of his brother-in-law who was also not a criminal?

5. Duno becomes angry that his father will not fight the ____________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the former life of the Brosslers.

2. What does Albert say is the meaning and the purpose of the small boxes tied to his forehead and hands?

3. What was the horrible event that happened to Klara Hitler which led to her immaculate home?

4. What are some of the things that Adolf is afraid of at the beginning of the manuscript which may have led to his own sense of purity?

5. Why does Werner think his mother committed suicide?

6. Describe the character of Lidia Leoni.

7. What does Werner Schramm apologize for when he finally runs into Osvaldo?

8. What does Schramm understand now that he sees how life really is rather than how it is portrayed by artists?

9. What appears outside of the hut where the Blums are hiding, much to their surprise?

10. What does Maria Avani do in order to distract the soldiers from noticing their ignition wires from their motorcycles are being stolen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The love relationships in this story are a little muddled and a little confused. There doesn't really seem to be any time for love during war.

Part 1: Describe the relationship between Mirella and Renzo.

Part 2: Describe the relationship between Mirella and Iacopo.

Part 3: What does the author seem to be saying about love in this book?

Essay Topic 2

The bravery of the people in this story in relation to their choice of hiding people is certainly something that makes readers consider their own courage in this sort of situation.

Part 1: What did the families in this story give up in order to shelter Jews? What did they risk?

Part 2: Why did the families in this story do what they did?

Part 3: Do you think you might be able to take the same risk in today's times? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

What's most interesting about this novel is the contradiction in beliefs and in the results of those beliefs. For example, Schramm is guilty of horrible things, but so is Renzo.

Part 1: What are Schramm's crimes within this novel and before the time of the novel?

Part 2: What are Renzo's crimes within this novel?

Part 3: How are these characters to be compared in terms of their guilt? Is one character more guiltier than the other? Why? Why not?

(see the answer keys)

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