1. Who are the Gypsies? What are their origins?

2. In what part of the world are the names Rizka, Pugash, Podskalny, Franko, Fibich, Mellish, and Karpath to be found? How well does Gypsy Rizka represent that area?

3. At the novel's close, Sharpnack has been reduced to assistant clerk and Fibich has become chief councillor. Sharpnack is always scheming about something, believing as he does that everyone but he deserves to be in jail. What scheme does he concoct to raise himself into a position of authority, and how will Rizka deal with his scheme?

4. What are folktale elements in Gypsy Rizka? Are there any Eastern European folktales that share themes or events with Gypsy Rizka?

5. What is the trickster figure? Where is the figure to be found? What are the traditional traits of the trickster figure in literature? How is Rizka...