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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What opportunity does Gladigau give Helmut?
(a) He lets him document the rebuilding of the train station.
(b) He gives Helmut the shop in his will.
(c) He leaves Helmut responsible when on vacation.
(d) He lets him document the emptying of the city.

2. What is the reaction of the refugees when they first meet Helmut?
(a) They curse him for his crooked arm.
(b) Most ignore him.
(c) Many beg him for bread.
(d) They resent him for not fighting in the front.

3. Who provides food rations throughout the German area that Lore and her siblings are traveling through?
(a) The German government.
(b) It is autocratic at this stage.
(c) The Americans.
(d) The Nazi party.

4. How does Seiffert first introduce Helmut's family as impoverished?
(a) The family cannot pay for a real doctor.
(b) They are all underweight and pale.
(c) The description of "drawer-for-a-cot."
(d) Their meals are very meager.

5. What happens to Helmut's feelings about being a soldier in Section 4?
(a) They have died since the bombings.
(b) They are still strong.
(c) They changed after seeing the veterans.
(d) He feels hesitant about it.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Helmut enjoy most about the train station?

2. How does Mutti react when her children fight amongst each other?

3. Who does Juri offer his bread to despite his own hunger?

4. What is Helmut's new job in 1945?

5. What does Lore do with the badges of the party?

Short Essay Questions

1. The Third Reich is at its height when Helmut is a teenager. How does this age and Helmut's life affect his acceptance and loyalty to the Third Reich?

2. At the beginning of the war efforts, Helmut is intent on joining the army. Despite his arm, he is adamant about joining. Why is the army so vital in Helmut's life?

3. Why is Lore's family moving around and hiding in the farm valley? From whom are they hiding?

4. Germany attacks its neighbors and gains more lands that are prosperous. Neither Helmut nor anyone in his neighborhood seems to argue the Third Reich's actions. In fact, many boys are signing up to fight the war. Why would some Germans welcome the war and the push into other countries?

5. As part of Papi's pay, Gladigau takes family portraits while Helmut grows up. How do the family portraits play a role in this story and what progression is observed from when Helmut is a newborn to the last individual photo?

6. Helmut is not strong or smart. Yet, there are indications that Helmut is clever about getting what he wants. Give an example of how Helmut shows his clever ways.

7. Although Seiffert does not say much about the farmers, what are the implied feelings of the farmers?

8. Lore asks the woman for more food for her siblings but the woman initially responds with a look of possible fear. Why might the woman be afraid?

9. Helmut is cast to the side with the weak during physical education. Helmut tries to "prove himself" for whom and why?

10. When the Americans question Lore, Tomas shows up with papers and tells them they are a family. What do the papers show and why does Seiffert mention a tattoo on Tomas' arm?

(see the answer keys)

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