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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. Frederic can not fully escape the war because. . .

2. Which statement best describes Catherine's mood as they travel?

3. This symbol signifies Frederic's new beginning out of the army.

4. Catherine's thoughts on marriage are that. . .

5. At the abandoned farmhouse, the group. . .

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

4. Describe the reunion between Frederic and Catherine.

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

6. Why does the couple relocate to Lausanne?

7. How has the relationship between Catherine and Frederic matured?

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

9. Although seemingly content in his new life, what issue remains troubling to Frederic in Chapter 38?

10. Why do you think Catherine suggests that the baby will "come between them"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

If you were in Frederic's group during the retreat to Udine, would you have maintained confidence in him as a leader? Why or why not? Would your confidence have been affected by his actions toward the fleeing sergeants? What would that have told you about his character and/or leadership abilities?

Essay Topic 2

How is pregnancy portrayed in a novel for this time period? How did Frederic take the news? Discuss the dark thoughts Frederic has with himself when he is told of the trouble with the pregnancy. Do you think these thoughts were fair? Do you think the couple was made to "pay the price" for their relationship? What does all of this suggest about the attitude toward unwed pregnancy for the time period and culture?

Essay Topic 3

Friendship plays a strong role in this novel. Friendship not only helps the soldiers cope with the stress of war, but it also provides a safe haven within which Catherine and Frederic's relationship is able to develop. Evaluate the role of friendship in this novel.

1 - Rinaldi and Frederic are very close friends. What evidence supports this statement? How do we know their relationship runs deeper than just roommates?

2- How does the "shield" of friendship support and protect Frederic and Catherine in this novel?

3 - Discuss whether or not Frederic and Catherine's romantic relationship shows characteristics of deeply-rooted friendship.

4 - How does friendship support the characters in this novel overall?

(see the answer keys)

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