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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. Catherine's plan to help Frederic during their night journey is to:

2. During the retreat, Frederic's group picks up. . .

3. These two men finally reach Udine:

4. Once on foot, where do the women head?

5. When are the police expected to come for Frederic?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Should Frederic's actions at the end of the retreat be described as honorable or as cowardly?

3. What do we learn from Frederic's dream involving Catherine?

4. Discuss the continued symbolism of water for both Frederic and Catherine.

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

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

7. What do you think Frederic would say in a letter to Catherine if he were to write one at this point? What might he describe?

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

9. Why does the couple relocate to Lausanne?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The callous reality of war is portrayed in this novel. There are several examples in this novel where "reality" is countered with "dreams."

1 - Discuss the accounts of when dreams conflicted with harsh reality for Catherine and Frederic.

2 - Why do you think the characters seemed to fall back on "dreams" to help them face reality?

3 - How do you face a harsh reality?

Essay Topic 2

Hemingway has a distinct writing style. First, describe Hemingway's writing style. Then consider the following:

1 - Why do you think Hemingway writes in such a manner, presenting the story from the perspective he does?;

2 - What other writing style does Hemingway employ? When does he use this style and why?;

3 - How can an author's choice of writing style affect the tone, mood, and intensity of a novel?

Essay Topic 3

To what degree do Frederic's decisions affect the course of this story? Consider the following decisions (this list is not exclusive nor in order of occurrence) Frederic made and discuss how (and if) they affected the story. You can use some or all of these or include your own examples.

- Frederic engaged in a drinking game when he was to meet Catherine

- Frederic dove into the river amidst gunfire

- Frederic wrote home for money

- Frederic shot the sergeant

- Frederic chose to see Catherine again after first meeting her

- Frederic pushed to have his leg surgery immediately

What does your discussion of the above choices tell us about the influence a character can have on a story?

(see the answer keys)

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