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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 does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller they must do about Hofmiller's lie to the Kekesfalvas?

2. Why does Hofmiller think it might benefit Edith to continue believing the lie about the new cure?

3. What kind of deal does Kekesfalva offer Hofmiller?

4. What is Balinkay's relationship with Hofmiller's regiment?

5. What does Hofmiller learn about the extent of Edith's despair at the idea that she might never be well?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Dr. Condor tell Hofmiller about the nature of pity?

3. Why does Hofmiller see suicide as the only solution to his problems?

4. How does Hofmiller react when Edith angrily asks why he bothers coming to see her and her family?

5. How does an unforeseen and unrelated political event lead to Edith's suicide?

6. 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?

7. How does Edith use the threat of suicide in an attempt to influence Hofmiller?

8. In her first note to Hofmiller after her love for him has been revealed, what does Edith want from him?

9. Why does Hofmiller initially refuse Kekesfalva's request that he marry Edith in return for Kekesfalva giving him his entire fortune?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the balance of power between Hofmiller and Kekesfalva. Who holds the power at the beginning of the story? Who holds it at the end? How and why does it shift back and forth throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Hofmiller's relationships with his friends, including Ferencz, his fellow soldiers and Balinkay. What is the general nature of their various relationships? What could he have learned from his friends that might have benefited him in the long run?

Essay Topic 3

How and why does Hofmiller try to keep his friendship with the Kekesfalva family separate from his life with his friends and fellow soldiers? How does it affect what transpires in his relationship with the family? Cite and discuss at least one specific example from the first half of the book and one from the second half.

(see the answer keys)

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