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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 402 tell Rubashov is happening the night the prison feels different?

2. How did Little Loewy die?

3. What does Rubashov want to ask the warden for when they arrive at his cell?

4. How many paces is Rubashov’s cell?

5. What happened to Arlova?

Short Essay Questions

1. Whom does Rubashov watch the guards escort down the hallway after Rubashov’s flashback? What does the man look like?

2. What does Ivanov say is the reason Rubashov will not capitulate with Gletkin’s method?

3. What happens to Rubashov the first time he is imprisoned?

4. What does Rubashov daydream about on his seventh day in prison?

5. Why does Rubashov feel guilty about Arlova’s death?

6. Why does Rubashov think he is unable to hate No. 1?

7. How does Rubashov prepare for his first interrogation when he thinks they may use the steambath on him?

8. What does Ivanov tell Rubashov the day after Bogrov is killed?

9. What is Rubashov thinking by the time Ivanov leaves him the morning after Bogrov is killed?

10. Why did Ivanov want to commit suicide at one point and how did Rubashov help him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rubashov ultimately talks himself into believing he is guilty of crimes against the state.

Discuss Rubashov’s reasoning that leads him to decide he is guilty of crimes against the state. Do you think, with his line of thinking, he is correct? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

Analyze and discuss what you think are the characteristics of a successful novel and why Darkness at Noon is or is not a successful novel based on your criteria. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

Define plot and include the definitions of the most important elements of a plot. Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not? Write a brief synopsis of the plot of Darkness at Noon, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot? Give a brief synopsis of any important sub-plots.

(see the answer keys)

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