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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. Why is Hofmiller uncomfortable when he first arrives at the dinner party?

2. What does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller was his initial opinion about why Hofmiller has become friends with Kekesfalva and his family?

3. How does Edith react when Hofmiller asks her to dance?

4. How did Dietzenhof respond when Kekesfalva told her that she could probably get about 150,000 crowns for the estate?

5. How much was Dietzenhof's estate actually worth?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Kekesfalva want Hofmiller to talk with Dr. Condor about Edith's condition rather than talking to the doctor himself?

2. What is Dr. Condor's initial assessment of Edith's current medical condition?

3. Why does Hofmiller flee from Kekesfalva's home after his blunder causes Edith to become upset?

4. What is Hofmiller's real motivation in accepting Edith's invitation to tea?

5. How does learning about his past affect Hofmiller's feelings about Kekesfalva?

6. What does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller about the effectiveness of the treatment plan he is using with Edith?

7. How did Kekesfalva trick Dietzenhof with regard to the worth of her property?

8. What are some of the reasons Hofmiller finds himself gaining greater self confidence during his second evening in the Kekesfalva home?

9. Although Hofmiller finds himself enjoying his new sense of power and the comfort of being with with the Kekesfalva family, what keeps him from enjoying those feelings completely?

10. After having a chance to speak with each other privately, how do Hofmiller and Dr. Condor change their initial impressions of each other?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss in detail the relationship of trust that develops between Kekesfalva and Hofmiller. How does Kekesfalva's trust begin and how does it develop over time? What effect does Kekesfalva's trust have on Hofmiller and how does it affect his actions with regard to Edith?

Essay Topic 2

After reading and reflecting on the entire novel, who do you think is the more sympathetic and likable character, Edith or Hofmiller? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Hofmiller's relationship with Herr Kekesfalva and his family begins with a simple dinner invitation, but by the end of the book, it has had a dramatic effect on the lives of all the primary characters. Discuss the evolution of his relationship with the family. Why does it change so quickly? How does Hofmiller's personality lead him into such a complex relationship with the family?

(see the answer keys)

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