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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. Where does Malan suggest Olin visit “the old Franciscan cathedral and have a look at its modern stained-glass window” in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 13?

2. What personal torment does “Big Erna” describe when she stands before the attendees in the dining area in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 10?

3. Who tells the story about the Jewish family hiding in a secret hiding place in a Warsaw house and was then discovered by the Gestapo because of the little girl who wouldn’t stop crying in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 7?

4. What does Olin leave behind in the bricks of the cellar at Birkenau as an offering to his mother in Part IV: “In Paradise” opens in Chapters 15?

5. What word used by Father Mikal in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 13 means easily influenced?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the narrator describe the Olinskis’ efforts to locate Clements’s mother in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 7?

2. Where does Olin go after Catherine bids him farewell in Part IV: “In Paradise,” Chapter 16?

3. What reason does Olin give for his family’s failure to search for his mother when he “bears witness” in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 14?

4. Who follows Olin as he searches for Brzezinka in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 8? Why is Olin looking for this setting?

5. What does Olin consider the phenomenon of the dancing to be in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 11?

6. How does G. Earwig describe the loss of his family in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 12?

7. How does the narrator describe the correlations between art and evil in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 13?

8. Who steps forward to “bear witness” at the meditation meeting in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 10? What does this character reveal?

9. What information does Olin learn from Stefan in Part III: “Dancing at Auschwitz,” Chapter 13?

10. What inner conflicts does Olin reveal in Part II: “In the Ogre’s Cave,” Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Professor Adina Schreier in the novel. Where is Dr. Schreier from? What is her objective in attending the retreat? How does Dr. Schreier relate to Dr. Clements Olin?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the establishment of Auschwitz Concentration Camp and its history. Who were the first prisoners brought to the camp? How many individuals died at Auschwitz during its operation? When was Auschwitz liberated?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of Rainer in the novel. What is the significance of Rainer’s story about his uncle? How does Rainer perceive the history of the Germans? How does Rainer differ in his perceptions of history and culpability from the other characters at the retreat?

(see the answer keys)

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