View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Helmuth's mother work in 1932?

2. In 1933, when does Hitler become chancellor of Germany?

3. In 1938, how old is Gerhard?

4. When are Jews forbidden to enter city parks?

5. In 1933, how many Germans are unemployed?

Short Essay Questions

1. In 1933, what happens when Herr Seligmann tries to wash off the insults off his shop windows?

2. When the Reichstag burns in 1933, what decrees does Hitler make?

3. In 1939, why does Hugo say that laws like not listening to foreign radio stations are necessary during wartime?

4. In 1938 how does Helmuth feel when he writes an essay saying what his teacher Herr Vinke wants to hear?

5. In 1928 what does Helmuth see on the street when he is walking with his mother and half-brothers?

6. In 1938 why is Rudi interrogated by the Gestapo?

7. In 1932, what do Helmuth's grandparents fear?

8. Who is Hugo Hubener?

9. In 1932, what does Helmuth's mother think about living next door to his grandparents?

10. In 1932, where and how is Helmuth playing with toy solidiers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Helmuth is labeled as a non-conformist when he questions a picture that shows a sailor holding the flag above the sea while he drowns. In what ways is Helmuth a non-conformist? How does being a non-conformist affect the way that Helmuth struggles to fit in with the Hitler Youth and other aspects of the Nazi regime?

Essay Topic 2

Hitler make the Communist and Jews scapegoats for everything that was wrong with Germany. What problems did Germany have when Hitler rose to power? How and why did Hitler make the Communists and Jews scapegoats for all that was wrong with Germany? How did using Communists and Jews as scapegoats help solidify his position and power?

Essay Topic 3

Helmuth reads in a book by Heinrich Mann that “revolutions are rare because people are too selfish.” What happens to people who dare to question Hitler’s government? What do most people in the novel do when they see injustice or lose freedoms? Based on what the author reveals about characters and their actions, are people too selfish to revolt against Hitler?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 823 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample