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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. Why does Gerda think the Jewish people did not resist the Germans' takeover of their lives?

2. How does Gerda turn down the offer?

3. What has recently been built just outside of Gerda's hometown?

4. What must Jews now wear?

5. Why does a Nazi officer threaten Gerda in their home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What must Jews wear sewn on their clothes?

2. What does the family receive from Arthur?

3. What does Helene tell Gerda as they are separated?

4. What type of job do the women perform?

5. Who does Gerda get to say goodbye to?

6. How long does it take the Germans to conquer Poland?

7. What does Julius make Gerda promise?

8. Who visits Gerda's father while he is sick?

9. Why does Gerda decide to visit Sonowtiz?

10. Who does Gerda receive a letter from, and what is the letter about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the story, Gerda and the other girls were forced to move from place to place:

a. Why did the Germans make them go from one camp to the next?

b. Which character (or characters) do you feel had the most positive influence on Gerda?

c. What was the purpose of giving the Jews number instead of a name?

Essay Topic 2

Gerda's family (and others) puts up little or no resistance against the Germans when they were invaded. Why didn't more Jews resist? Do you think that resisting against German forces would have helped or made things worse? Why were Gerda's neighbors giving the Germans flowers and praise?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following questions to write about:

1. What two themes are the most prevalent in the book? Discuss the themes and describe two specific situations in which the themes are present.

2. Compare and contrast the characters of Kurt Klein and Abek. How are the men alike and different? How does one capture Gerda's heart while the other cannot?

3. The theme of fear is ever present during Gerda's imprisonment. Explain how fear cycles throughout the novel and amongst the girls in the camp.

(see the answer keys)

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