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. Why is Joseph anxious to see the palace at Wawel Hill?

2. In Chapter 16, what happens to the Great Tarnov Crystal?

3. What happens to Kreutz's apartment?

4. About what is Pan Andrew troubled after help is summoned?

5. What does Kreutz hand over to Pan Andrew once at the tower in Chapter 14?

Short Essay Questions

1. As of 1928, as described in the Epilogue, why do people go to the city of Krakow?

2. What is the threat Peter of the Button Face gives to Joseph before Michael the Snake takes Joseph from the tower in Chapter 11?

3. Describe the chief glory of the city of Krakow as it is explained in the Epilogue.

4. Describe how the Epilogue explains the Heynal is played.

5. What does Pan Andrew tell the king about the Great Tarnov Crystal in Chapter 15?

6. What does Peter of the Button Face do to break into the tower in Chapter 11?

7. When Kreutz reveals that he has the crystal in Chapter 14, describe his feelings.

8. What does the inside of the Church of Our Lady Mary look like?

9. When Elzbietka hears the Heynal played in its entirety as described in Chapter 12, where is she and what does she do?

10. What does Peter of the Button Face say to the king regarding why he is in Krakow in Chapter 15?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author emphasizes the importance of tradition in the lives of the Polish and Ukrainian people. Why do you think the author emphasized tradition in the novel? Was he just accurately describing the priorities of Polish people, or are there elements of symbolism apparent?

Essay Topic 2

Do you think that Peter of the Button Face's bargain with the king was fair? Do you think the king should have let Peter go in exchange for information? Or do you think he should have punished him more severely? Why do you think the king would have believed that Peter would never return to Poland again?

Essay Topic 3

Based on your understanding of the character of the Tartar people as described in the novel, why do you think the Tartars did not succeed as a nation? What contributed to their downfall? In the novel, does it seem like they are a powerful group or can you tell that they are going to experience a downfall?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 863 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample