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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. Who does Helen expect the phone call to be from?

2. What is the longest Frank can stay in one place?

3. What book is Helen reading on the subway?

4. What time does Morris arrive at the store?

5. How old is the girl who enters the store?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Morris do for the young girl? What does this tell you about his character?

2. What traumatic event caused a change in Morris' habits?

3. How does Helen feel about her failed relationship with Nat Pearl?

4. How does Helen feel about Frank now?

5. What terrible things are revealed about Frank in this chapter?

6. Describe the relationship between the old woman and the Bobers.

7. Describe Frank's early family life.

8. According to Morris, what does it mean to be Jewish?

9. How does Helen react to Nat's telephone call?

10. How does Frank feel about life at the store?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that critically reviews THE ASSISTANT by Bernard Malamud, in a formal book review style. Be sure to address:

1) Major themes of the novel and how well they are communicated to readers.

2) Your opinion on the writing style used by the author.

3) The universal importance of the book's subject matter.

Essay Topic 2

Research and write an essay on the history of ethnic groups in New York City. Be sure to address:

1) Early ethnic groups to settle in New York.

2) Conflicts between ethnic groups in New York.

3) The current state of multiculturalism in New York today.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the death of Morris Bober. Be sure to address:

1) Why you feel the author decided to 'kill off' Morris.

2) The message and meaning behind Morris' death.

3) The importance of the timing of Morris' death.

4) How Morris' death affected you personally as a reader.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 904 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample