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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. What surprises Hofmiller about Dr. Condor's home?

2. Once he is aware of her love for him, what is Edith afraid Hofmiller will do?

3. How does Hofmiller feel when he wakes up the morning after telling Kekesfalva about the potential new cure?

4. When Hofmiller tells Dr. Condor about Edith's kiss and her letter, why is Condor angry with himself?

5. Dr. Condor says he realizes that Hofmiller lied about the treatment out of what emotion?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the many changes in Edith's mood during the trip to the horse farm.

2. How does Dr. Condor come to the conclusion that Hofmiller is planning to flee rather than facing up to his situation with Edith and her family?

3. Describe Dr. Condor's feelings about his marriage to Klara.

4. What event occurs to put a damper on Hofmiller's happiness when he returns to his barracks after the trip to the horse farm?

5. Why is Hofmiller so willing to go to war after Edith's death?

6. What is Edith's suggested solution when Hofmiller convinces her that he cannot afford the trip to the sanitarium?

7. Why does Hofmiller not admit that he has exaggerated the potential for the new treatment to cure Edith?

8. How might Hofmiller have resolved his situation during his visit to the castle, after seeing the family's excitement about the potential new treatment?

9. How does Hofmiller react when Edith first suggests that he kiss her?

10. Why is Hofmiller unable to commit to accompanying Edith and her family to the sanitarium?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the book, the reader learns that appearances can be deceiving and things are not always what they seem to be. Discuss this concept, including references to the characters of Dr. Condor, Hofmiller, Edith and Kekesfalva.

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

Lies and delusion are central themes throughout the book. Describe how small lies grew into major ones, and the impact those lies had on the characters and the book's outcome.

(see the answer keys)

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