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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. From whom did Kekesfalva learn to read and write?

2. How does Hofmiller perceive Edith after their first two meetings?

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 Hofmiller react when he sees Ilona in the street after taking a night away from the family to play cards with his friends?

5. 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?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Kekesfalva change after marrying Dietzenhof?

2. Describe how Kekesfalva got off on the wrong foot with Dietzenhof when they first met.

3. How did Annette Dietzenhof acquire the Kekesfalva estate?

4. How does Hofmiller's report to Kekesfalva differ from the actual information he was given by Dr. Condor?

5. How does Hofmiller's decision to have his men trot rather than gallop their horses reflect the title of the book?

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

7. Why is Hofmiller so delighted when he sees Ilona outside the cafe after he has spent the evening there with his friends rather than going to the castle?

8. Why did Kekesfalva not simply flee with the money he received from Dietzenhof after he bought the property from her?

9. Why do you think Edith flies into a rage when Josef, the butler, comes to take her for her exercises?

10. When Hofmiller's friends tease him about his relationship with Kekesfalva and his family, what does Hofmiller decide to do about the situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the book's last passages, Hofmiller reflects on the guilt he will always feel regarding his role in the Kekesfalva family's life. Discuss the role guilt plays in his character throughout the book. At what points does he feel guilt that perhaps he should not feel? At what points does he not feel guilty when he should? Do you think the guilt he feels at the end is genuine?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the relationship between honor and deceit in Hofmiller's life. In what ways does he show that honor is important to him? How does he betray his own sense of honor through his actions with regard to Edith?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how Hofmiller's sense of responsibility impacts his actions and the fate of the Kekesfalva family. How does he come to feel increasingly responsible for Edith and her family? How does he handle that responsibility?

(see the answer keys)

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