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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 Mr. Moe Mirsky marry?

2. Which clothing item does Mother want to buy for Sara with her wages?

3. How old is Sara at the beginning of the story?

4. How does Morris react when Sara says that she loves him?

5. What color is Mashah's long beautiful hair?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Bessie quietly agree to marry Zalmon despite the fact that she is repulsed by him?

2. Why does Berel Bernstein decide to not marry Bessie?

3. How does Bessie's personality change after she marries Zalmon the fish peddler?

4. Why does Moe Mirsky continuously exchange Mashah's diamonds for different ones?

5. Why does Sara insist that she wants to work?

6. Why is Reb so angry with Sara at the end of Chapter 8?

7. Why does Sara vow to marry an American-born man?

8. Why does Reb not like the grocery business?

9. Why does Sara think herself in love with Morris Lipkin after he and Fania are no longer together?

10. What excuse does Bessie use in her defense when her mother comes into the house and sees the changes she makes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The people of Hester Street are for the most part, lower class immigrated families. Throughout Bread Givers class is brought up by multiple characters. The members of the Smolinsky family are constantly trying to raise themselves above the poverty line. Write an essay detailing the efforts the members of the family make to rise above being lower class. How does Reb do his part for trying to become more than lower class? What types of people does he marry the family into? How does going to college help Sara rise above the line of poverty? Use examples from the book to support your writing.

Essay Topic 2

The Torah is mentioned by Reb many times in Bread Givers. He uses it not only as a gateway for information, but as a source from which to preach. Write an essay explaining why the Torah is important to the story. What does it symbolize? In which situations does Reb use the Torah to try and educate his children? How is the Torah used to support the idea of religious fanaticism? Use examples from the book to support your writing.

Essay Topic 3

Characters in Bread Givers are often dedicated to one sole task or purpose throughout the story. Write an essay explaining why certain characters in Bread Givers are dedicated to one element or another. How are these characters made distinctive and unique because of their desires in life? In what way or ways is their steadfast dedication used against them in certain circumstances? How is it used to their advantage at times? Explain your rationale by providing examples from the novel.

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