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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 the prosecutor interrupt Rubashov to ask?

2. What happened to Hare-lip’s father?

3. What did Rubashov mean to study when he was a boy?

4. What does Wassilij say after he hears that Rubashov’s sentence is death?

5. What does the reader do as she reads the newspaper to Wassilij?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Wassilij’s daughter thinking as she reads the paper out loud?

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

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

5. What are the first two questions the prosecutor asks Rubashov?

6. What does the reactionary peasant do to end up in prison?

7. When Rubashov begins to address the court, what does he say he will talk about?

8. For what does Wassilij interrupt her reading?

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

10. Why is Rubashov confused after he hands over his confession?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Rubashov feels more strongly than ever before the presence of the "grammatical fiction" that represents his individuality, and he ponders whether there is any purpose in life.

Discuss what Rubashov means by the phrase "grammatical fiction." Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Stalin initiated the Moscow Show Trials. It was part of his manipulation to eliminate all those who could threaten his power. Based on Rubashov’s reflections about the Party and on what a revolution must do to stay in power, discuss the following:

Was Stalin solely responsible for the Moscow Show Trials, or do you think they reflect the inevitable tendency of the Bolsheviks? Use examples from Darkness at Noon to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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