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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In addition to Peter Fisk, whom does Claude accompany at a dinner party for a large group of influential people in the Fisk home?
(a) Ivan Andrews.
(b) Mrs. Fisk.
(c) Catherine.
(d) Mr. Fisk.

2. What is the relationship between Claude and Ivan Andrews?
(a) Good friends.
(b) Competitors.
(c) Enemies.
(d) Passing acquaintances.

3. What business arrangement does Claude enter into with Al Johnson, a maintenance man?
(a) They split the money from collecting soda bottles in the garbage.
(b) Claude plays the piano while Al plays the saxophone on a street corner.
(c) They sell cleaning supplies.
(d) Claude helps Al with custodial work.

4. After Peter shows Claude the room, what does Claude question Peter about?
(a) Rare orchids.
(b) The gauge of the electric trains.
(c) Gas chambers.
(d) The maker of the piano.

5. Even though Peter's playing is basic and unspirited, why does Claude enjoy accompanying him?
(a) Because he can impress the famous musician who frequently observes the sessions.
(b) Because he is near Catherine.
(c) Because he is getting needed experience.
(d) Because he has a chance to talk to Mr. Fisk about Emma.

Short Answer Questions

1. What famous person does Claude meet at the dinner party in the Fisk home?

2. What is the status of Emma's job when she returns to New York City after being questioned about communist activities?

3. Why can't Claude keep the Bechstein piano left to him by the maestro in his apartment?

4. How does Mr. Weisfeld react when Claude rushes from the basement of the music store and wakes Mr. Weisfeld in his apartment in the middle of the night?

5. What kind of student is Claude in school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Aside from music lessons and accessories, what does Claude acquire from Mr. Weisfeld's music store?

2. Although Catherine's life is radically different from her life as a child, how does she view her life as it is now?

3. While Lady and Claude live in the townhome in Manhattan, what do we learn about Lady from her jobs and activities, and her attitude toward Claude after Mr. Weisfeld dies?

4. When Mr. Weisfeld, Mr. Levits, Claude, and Emma meet in Mr. Larkin's office, what plans emerge regarding Claude's musical career?

5. How is the title reflected in Claude's experience of hearing the orchestra play his composition in London?

6. What do we learn about Mr. Powers when he has Claude's past investigated?

7. Why is Claude's friendship with Ivan Andrews an important relationship?

8. Why is Claude's intimate encounter with Eva, a violinist at the music festival, important to Claude, especially in terms of Catherine Fisk?

9. At the music festival, how does a pianist's stage fright benefit Claude?

10. What does Catherine Fisk's response to Claude's question about why she invited him to the Bentley School mixer tell us about her?

(see the answer keys)

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