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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. In order to make Yakov appear like a Hasidic Jew, what does the Deputy Warden refuse to let Yakov do?

2. Who discovers what Yakov is doing and confiscates his materials?

3. What is the local anti-Semite group called?

4. When Bibikov apologizes for the poor treatment Yakov is receiving, Yakov asks for only one thing. What is it?

5. What offense does Proshko accuse Yakov of when he gives his statement to the secret police?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Yakov describes the things he takes pleasure in, what does he describe?

2. Even though Yakov is desperately ill and is not allowed access to the prison hospital, Yakov is relieved. Why?

3. How does Yakov try to refute the priest's claims that Jews need blood?

4. When Yakov sees Bibikov in one of his visions, what does Yakov imagine telling Bibikov?

5. When the prosecutor visits Yakov, what does he tell Yakov to have the Jews stop doing?

6. Based on the indictment the warden delivers to Yakov, why does Yakov think he may be freed when he finally goes to trial?

7. Why is Yakov uneasy in the days before his next prison visitor is set to arrive?

8. Why does Yakov debate returning the next day to the home of the person he found passed out in the snow?

9. Why is Yakov's visitor miserable living in the shtetl?

10. As Yakov is being prepared for his trial, why does a barber come and shave Yakov's head?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is no doubt that Yakov has been greatly affected by the murder of his parents that occurred years earlier in the shtetl. Discuss how Yakov's past affects not only his worldview, but also his decision to leave the shtetl and his ability to cope with his incarceration. How does Yakov's past affect his mental state, his ability to reason, his ability to trust, and his ability to hope?

Essay Topic 2

There are many attempts by the government to cover up the existence of any evidence that does not support their attempts to frame Yakov for the murder of Zhenia. Describe two of the pieces of evidence that are either "forgotten" or explained away by the authorities that might have proven Yakov's innocence. Would full disclosure by the authorities have made a difference? To Yakov? To the Black Hundreds? To the Russian citizens? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from the story.

Essay Topic 3

B.A. Bibikov is a study in contradictions. As the lead investigator into Zhenia's murder, Bibikov reports to the authorities, yet believes in Yakov's innocence. Identify, then compare and contrast the different sides of Bibikov. How does Bibikov arrive at his conclusions about Yakov? What implications does Bibikov face for his conclusions? In Bibikov's place, would you fight for Yakov or simply go along with the other authority figures? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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