View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Mirella hopes that the war will be over by _________________.

2. Renzo believes his shame is the last vestige of _________ in a vicious, barbaric world.

3. Who is Duno treating, though he has Iacopo's help to do so?

4. Who has taken in hundreds of people needing a place to sleep and a meal?

5. Who is Mirella expecting a visit from as they are in the Hunchback's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Santino see when he is on the crowded train?

2. What makes the German soldiers stop looking through the laundry basket Claudia Cicala is carrying?

3. What does Battista threaten Leto with when he tells him to tell the Germans who killed the five soliders?

4. What has happened to Alberto Fiori, formerly Albery Blum?

5. What is the holiday that the United States and the Germans had hoped to meet in terms of ending the war?

6. Why does Artur almost shoot a young boy he sees while sitting out with Renzo/Ugo?

7. What has little Angelo Soncini realized about his position at the boarding school?

8. Who does Mirella turn away from her property, even though she generally takes in everyone she can?

9. What does Renzo return to reveal to the others?

10. Why does Duno know how to care for the injured?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The bravery of the people in this story in relation to their choice of hiding people is certainly something that makes readers consider their own courage in this sort of situation.

Part 1: What did the families in this story give up in order to shelter Jews? What did they risk?

Part 2: Why did the families in this story do what they did?

Part 3: Do you think you might be able to take the same risk in today's times? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The character of Mirella is confusing at times.

Part 1: Describe the character of Mirella.

Part 2: Why do you think Mirella decides to marry Iacopo?

Part 3: What does the character of Mirella seem to say about women during this time?

Essay Topic 3

Trying to do something right in the face of perceived cruelty doesn't always give the best results for those involved.

Part 1: Describe the scene with the girl and the six German soldiers. What happened?

Part 2: What did Santino think was happening? What was actually happening?

Part 3: Is the goal of doing something right always better than actually doing something that is truly right? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 606 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample