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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. With what type of company is Herr William Freytag associated?

2. What color shirt does the political agitator wear?

3. Where does the action take place?

4. For what German city is the ship bound?

5. What is the name of the Baumgartners' eight-year-old son?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the impression that La Condesa makes on the ship's passengers.

2. What shared experiences do the passengers have?

3. Why is Dr. Schumann summoned to La Condesa's cabin?

4. What does Dr. Schumann realize after having a conversation with Herr Graf?

5. Who are the Huttens?

6. Explain the strained relationship between Jenny and David.

7. What change has been made in the dining room and why does it upset the Captain?

8. How does the Captain endure the fiesta in his honor?

9. Explain the author's point of view for the story.

10. What final attempt does Dr. Schumann make to communicate with La Condesa?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author is a master at creating visual images through descriptive language and techniques. When writing about Mrs. Treadwell's memory of a long-forgotten childhood friend she writes, "As if she could even invent a regret for a bond that had no more substance than a drift of cigarette smoke." What does the author mean by this statement? Create another statement that could mean the same thing.

Essay Topic 2

There is no real plot line to this story. Why does the author choose to write her book in this way? What is her main focus? In what ways does she get her points across?

Essay Topic 3

What is the symbolism of the Spanish dancing troupe? What purpose do they serve for the story? Why has the author included them? Why are the other characters so averse to them? Why do they make themselves so unlikable?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,090 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample