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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 is something Rubashov notices about his body shortly before they shoot him?

2. What does Hare-lip say is the what Rubashov says is the way No. 1 will no longer be in power?

3. What does the prosecutor demand at the end of his speech?

4. What does Wassilij say one must do without if one sides with decency?

5. What did Wassilij hide in his mattress?

Short Essay Questions

1. With whom does Gletkin confront Rubashov and with what charge?

2. What happens with Rubashov right after he signs the last charge?

3. What does the prisoner in 402 tell Rubashov to do before they come for Rubashov and how long does 402 have to remain in prison? What are 402’s last words to Rubashov?

4. For what reason does Rubashov think the regime is attempting to get rid of the old guard?

5. What is the result of Gletkin’s pushing Rubashov with no sleep?

6. What does Rubashov say some of his ideas could cause?

7. What does Wassilij’s daughter tell him about the petition at work?

8. What does Rubashov feel about the grammatical fiction and the USSR right before he is taken to be killed?

9. What verdict is reached on Rubashov's charges? What evidence is presented?

10. What happens after 402 taps his farewell to Rubashov?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rubashov is told to confess to his crimes and go to his death silently so that his trial can be a warning to others and help heal the rift that is occurring in the Party.

Why do you think Rubashov, at the end, is willing to do what a Party who is going to kill him asks him to do? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Koestler was an active Zionist (a believer that Jews should have a homeland in Palestine) during his youth, he supported the creation of an Israeli state after World War II, and later in his life he became very interested in spirituality.

Discuss the religious undertones in Darkness at Noon. Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not? Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Darkness at Noon help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Darkness at Noon? Why or why not? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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