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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. What did Hitler's sadistic nature lead him to desire?
(a) He wanted to dominate and be submissive.
(b) He wished to help others.
(c) He wanted to be dominated.
(d) He sought power over others.

2. How did Hitler feel about Germany?
(a) He loved Germany.
(b) He did not want to see Germany succeed.
(c) He disliked Germany.
(d) He felt indifferently.

3. How does Fromm categorize the second group of Germans who supported the Nazis?
(a) Those who disagreed with Nazism.
(b) Those who fully adopted Nazism.
(c) Those who were indifferent to Nazism.
(d) Those who stood against Nazism.

4. What does Fromm believe to be the main driving force in history?
(a) Economic similarities.
(b) Economic equality.
(c) Economic difference.
(d) Economic indifference.

5. What is NOT a characteristic of the old, middle class that Fromm identifies?
(a) Pride.
(b) Frugality.
(c) Thrift.
(d) Cautiousness.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the social function of education?

2. What assumptions about man are made that lead people to fear chaos if he acts only in accordance with himself?

3. What political ideology is reinforced by an authoritarian character?

4. Who must support the central bureaucracy in order for it to achieve its goal?

5. What does Fromm believe each individual is capable of expressing, as discussed in the chapter "Freedom and Democracy"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is spontaneous action and original thought?

2. What is the relationship between sadism and masochism? How does the relationship affect authoritarian characters?

3. How does Fromm describe sadistic people?

4. What were the economic, social, and political conditions like in Germany prior to Hitler's rise to power?

5. According to Fromm, why are "normal" people willing to conform to the ideas of an authoritarian character?

6. What is social character?

7. How is an individual's character structure affected by economic and political changes?

8. What role does the family have in developing the character structure of an individual?

9. How does social character affect different groups?

10. What is authority, as defined in the chapter "Mechanisms of Escape"?

(see the answer keys)

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