View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. As they realize the severity of the situation, the couple decide to. . .

2. The bartender offers his __________ to Frederic and Catherine for escape to Switzerland.

3. Catherine and Frederic decide to move to Lausanne because. . .

4. The fact that one man from Frederic's group gave himself up to the Germans as a prisoner or war tells Frederic that. . .

5. Frederic borrows ____________ from his singer friend.

Short Essay Questions

1. Would you trust your friends or people who offer to help you if you were in Frederic's situation?

2. Discuss the symbolism of water in the novel so far.

3. Describe Helen Ferguson as a character.

4. Describe the difference between life in the Swiss chalet and the life the couple led before coming to Switzerland.

5. What is the significance of Frederic's actions when he emerges from the river?

6. How does the porter know that Frederic and Catherine are not just going out for a normal walk? What evidence supports his inference?

7. How do Catherine and Frederic circumvent the border patrol?

8. What advice does the Count give to Frederic about aging?

9. Do you think Frederic's morale was affected by being ordered to retreat? Do you think the Italian soldiers' morale was affected? If yes, how so?

10. Do you think people secretly helping fugitives, like the man behind the counter in the cafe, were the exception or the norm at this time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The question of why Frederic has joined the army is never directly answered in this novel. Why do you think Frederic joined the Italian army? Be sure to consider knowledge of his character, events, and other information you find relevant for your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Select one of the following scenarios and discuss:

You are Catherine's friend, Helen, and she is just about to run away with Frederic. What advice would you have for Catherine? Would you want her to stay, or would you encourage her to be with the man she loves despite the danger?

You are Frederic's friend, Rinaldi, and Frederic has contacted you secretly after Catherine and the baby have died. What advice would you have for Frederic to help him cope with the death of his loved ones?

Essay Topic 3

What is Frederic's attitude toward his own mortality in this novel? Does his attitude change, and if so, how significant is this change? What does the subject of death contribute to this story? Why is it important to acknowledge one's own mortality?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,138 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample