1. What does Hofmiller do after Kekesfalva apologizes for Edith's behavior?
(a) He expresses his interest in dating Edith.
(b) He takes the old man's hand and tries to comfort him.
(c) He tries to change the subject.
(d) He says there is no excuse for such rudeness, despite her disability.

2. Why does Kekesfalva ask Hofmiller to be present when Dr. Condor comes to the castle and speak to him about Edith's condition?
(a) Kekesfalva wants to fire Dr. Condor from Edith's case but wants to avoid confronting him, so he asks Hofmiller to do it.
(b) Kekesfalva wants Dr. Condor to give up his other patients and devote all his time to Edith, and he wants Hofmiller to ask how much he'd expect to be paid to do that.
(c) Hofmiller tells Kekesfalva he is experiencing severe back pain and Kekesfalva thinks Dr. Condor might be able to help.
(d) Kekesfalva isn't sure Dr. Condor is being completely honest with him about Edith's condition and chances for improvement.

3. The night after his friends tease him about his relationship with Kekesfalva and his family, Hofmiller does not go to the castle. How does he feel about his decision to stay away?
(a) He enjoys having a night away from the family and decides to visit them less often in the future.
(b) He worries constantly and realizes that he can't just turn his emotions off and on.
(c) After a couple of hours, he changes his mind and goes to visit the family.
(d) He thoroughly enjoys playing cards with his friends and realizes it was the right decision not to go.

4. When Ilona asks Hofmiller why he did not come to the castle, what lie does he tell her?
(a) He says his parents had arrived unexpectedly for a visit.
(b) He says he fell asleep and didn't wake up until it was too late.
(c) He admits that he simply did not want to come.
(d) He says he had to inspect a horse his Colonel wanted to buy.

5. When Hofmiller is training with his men the morning following his tea with Edith, why does he order them to stop galloping and trot their horses?
(a) He feels ashamed because he and his men can gallop freely while Edith cannot enjoy such pleasures.
(b) He thinks his men aren't skilled enough to gallop.
(c) He wants to make less noise.
(d) The terrain is too hilly for galloping.

Short Answer Questions

1. Although Hofmiller is torn about whether or not he wants to continue seeing Edith and her family, what precipitates his decision to return to their home?

2. What happens at the second dinner that makes Hofmiller feel especially happy and powerful?

3. According to the book's introduction by Joan Acocella, why was the author, Stefan Zweig, so interested in the inner workings of the human mind?

4. How does the main character, Hofmiller, say his story began?

5. Why is Edith happy, rather than upset, when a new maid reacts in horror to the fact that she is disabled?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 700 words
(approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample