Lost in Translation: A Life in a New Language Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Throughout the story, explain the meaning of "being Jewish" to the author. Give examples of how she explains her "Jewishness" at different times in her life and how her views of her ethnic background changes with each major geographical move in her life.

2. Compare how Canada and/or America is viewed from the beginning of the book to the end of the book. Begin with the family's views of life across the ocean from Cracow, and continue the journey with the family as they emigrate to Canada. Give specific examples from the book to...
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