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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. Once Elvira crosses the German border, what does she report to Leamas?

2. When Liz is visited by someone while Leamas is in prison, the visitor leaves what kind of impression with Liz?

3. While Peters is talking to Leamas, what does Peters remain convinced of?

4. How does the relationship between Liz and Leamas change after they've known each other for a little while?

5. Who is Fiedler?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reaction does Liz have to George Smiley's visit?

2. Based on the description of Leamas in Chapter 2, list 3 adjectives that describe him physically.

3. What can the reader conclude about Leamas' mission when George Smiley goes to visit Liz?

4. In Chapter 10, what is the character of Liz Gold beginning to represent?

5. In Chapter 5, why does Leamas tell Liz to leave and never come back?

6. What does Leamas' political philosophy (or lack thereof) symbolize?

7. How does Leamas react to what happens when Karl tries to cross the border in Chapter 1?

8. How does Leamas spend his time in prison after attacking the grocer?

9. Name 3 things you learn about Leamas' life in Chapter 8.

10. What helps Leamas the most in his creation of a public persona in Chapter 3? How does it help him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The title of the book can be seen as having multiple meanings. Take a position about what you think the title means, and provide examples from the text that demonstrate Leamas' time "in the cold," a time when he is considering coming in from the cold, and a time when he has clearly come in from the cold.

Essay Topic 2

Leamas' final choice at the end of the novel may seem surprising to some readers, but not surprising to others. Find three examples in the text that foreshadow this ending, making sure to explain how each one directly connects to Leamas' final decision at the border crossing.

Essay Topic 3

Complete a character analysis of one of the following characters: Liz, Leamas, Control, or Mundt. Make sure to address how their character changes throughout the story, what role their character plays in the story, and what significant things happen to them throughout the text. Additionally, make sure to use quotations from the text to provide evidence for your analysis.

(see the answer keys)

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