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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What kind of business does Jakob own?
(a) Shipping and consignment.
(b) Manufacturing.
(c) Publishing.
(d) Marketing and sales.

2. Although Karl thinks that Jakob indulges him generously, what does the narrative imply is true about Jakob's behavior toward Karl?
(a) Jakob is needlessly distant and controlling toward Karl.
(b) Jakob is stern with Karl because he sees Karl's potential.
(c) Jakob intends to make Karl a partner in his buisness.
(d) Jakob is using Karl to heal the rift between himself and Karl's mother.

3. When Schubal enters the office, what is he wearing?
(a) Grey leather trousers.
(b) A kitchen maid's apron.
(c) A colorfully embroidered vest.
(d) An imperial frock coat.

4. Which detail most clearly supports the idea that the stoker is nervous about going to the office?
(a) His remarks to Line in the kitchen.
(b) His attempt to kick the rat in the corridor.
(c) The picture he takes from the wall and puts in his pocket.
(d) The way he grabs Karl's hand to pull him out the door.

5. What are the "gilded caryatids" on the door outside the office (10)?
(a) Narrow columns that hold up the lintel.
(b) Sculptures of women covered in gold.
(c) Ornamental flowers carved into the wood.
(d) Decorative rivets made of solid gold.

6. What is the first thing Green discusses with the group during dinner at the Pollunder house?
(a) His dislike of Karl's table manners and general knowledge of American etiquette.
(b) How surprising it is that Jakob allowed Karl to visit.
(c) His opinion that Jakob wastes a great deal of money on Karl.
(d) How inconvenient it is to have had to come all the way out to the country.

7. In the story's opening, what does Karl realize he has left below deck?
(a) His trunk.
(b) His walking stick.
(c) His hat.
(d) His umbrella.

8. Why are Karl and Jakob confused when Pollunder shows up to take Karl home with him?
(a) Karl already told Pollunder that he did not have time for the visit.
(b) No date for the visit was ever discussed.
(c) Jakob clearly refused permission for the visit.
(d) In his invitation, Pollunder mentioned a visit over the holidays.

9. When Karl tries to use some New York expressions during dinner with Green and Pollunder, what is their response?
(a) They are impressed.
(b) They are offended.
(c) They are amused.
(d) They are puzzled.

10. When Karl calls Klara a "wild cat," what technique is being used?
(a) Metonymy.
(b) Simile.
(c) Metaphor.
(d) Personification.

11. Which word best characterizes the stoker's explanation to the captain of his grievances against Schubal?
(a) Rambling.
(b) Precise.
(c) Startling.
(d) Respectful.

12. When Karl is wandering through the vast Pollunder house, what is he reminded of?
(a) The sprawling interior of the ship he traveled to America on.
(b) The cozy warmth of his parents' home in Germany.
(c) The many floors of offices in his uncle's building.
(d) Families on the east side of the city who live crowded together in one room.

13. What argument does Pollunder give to persuade Jakob to let Karl come for a visit?
(a) Karl will have a chance to learn more about the business.
(b) His cook has already prepared dinner for a guest.
(c) His daughter is looking forward to the visit.
(d) Karl will have an opportunity to practice his English.

14. What does Karl ask Pollunder about on the drive out to the country?
(a) Klara.
(b) American customs.
(c) His uncle.
(d) The business.

15. What does Jakob insist that Karl be home in the morning in time to do?
(a) Attend his English lesson.
(b) Attend his etiquette lesson.
(c) Attend his riding lesson.
(d) Attend his music lesson.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Karl's mood change during dinner at the Pollunder's house?

2. What criticism of Schubal does the captain make?

3. After dinner, what does Karl realize he finds incomprehensible?

4. During the dinner with Pollunder and Green, what is their treatment of Karl compared to?

5. What instrument does Karl play?

(see the answer keys)

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