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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. How does Levi characterize the shame and guilt that survivors feel?
(a) Funny and sympathetic.
(b) Absurd but real.
(c) Imaginary but heavy.
(d) Serious and debilitating.

2. According to Levi, who may judge collaborators?
(a) Those who did not become collaborators.
(b) Historians.
(c) Everyone.
(d) Other collaborators.

3. Which characterized the German spoken in the Lager?
(a) It was overly simplistic.
(b) It was a harsh version of the language.
(c) It was a refined version of the language.
(d) It was a dialect that has some Yiddish mixed in.

4. What did the other prisoners think about the Sonderkommandos?
(a) They wondered what it must be like to be debased.
(b) They thought they were courageous for doing the dirty work.
(c) They admired their strength of character.
(d) They deplored them for working for the oppressors.

5. What was the job of the Sonderkommandos?
(a) To assign jobs to the new arrivals.
(b) To run the gas chambers and the ovens.
(c) To clean the barracks.
(d) To give out the food rations.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Levi think is in the gray zone for ordering an underling to kill someone?

2. Why did Levi know some German?

3. From where did Monowitz receive new prisoners?

4. Who confronts Levi after liberation?

5. Which subset of prisoners does Levi think make the best observers?

Short Essay Questions

1. While clearing rubble, Levi finds a spigot with fresh water. Why was this such a big deal?

2. Why do survivors simplify the past by using stark good vs. evil distinctions?

3. Briefly describe the Nazi death camp system.

4. What did the Nazis hope as the tide of war turned in 1942?

5. Explain the nature of human memory.

6. Comment on Levi's experience with speaking/understanding German in the lager.

7. Explain the concept of "convenient truth."

8. What does Levi think of the theory of "incommunicability"?

9. What is Primo Levi's theory about judging any people associated with the lagers?

10. Why does Primo Levi write about his experiences?

(see the answer keys)

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