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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. The diary begins as a way for Etty to do what?

2. Etty admits certain weaknesses, mostly having to do with what?

3. Etty Hillesum was determined to grow ________________.

4. Etty admonishes herself to let go of what things?

5. Hillesum is ___________; someone who is actively involved in examining the world and her perceptions thereof from the inside out rather than the other way around.

Short Essay Questions

1. When did the author first begin writing this diary? Describe her at this time.

2. What is happening to the Jews by June of 1941?

3. What does Etty do to become closer to God?

4. What does Etty say about evil?

5. Why did Etty begin this diary?

6. By April 2, 1942, how does Etty feel about Spier?

7. How does Etty feel about men? How does she explain this?

8. Describe the men for whom Etty has feelings.

9. Of what does Etty admit she is guilty? How does this then lead to a spiritual discussion?

10. How is Etty's eating disorder symbolic?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Max Kormann is a close friend of Etty's.

Part 1) Describe Max Kormann. How did they become close friends? What do these two people have in common? Use the text to support your response.

Part 2) How is their friendship important? How is it important to Etty's story?

Part 3) Who is one of your close friends? Why? How is this person important in your life?

Essay Topic 2

Etty begins this diary for two reasons.

Part 1) What are these two reasons? What do these two reasons reveal about her? How do these two reasons prepare the reader for her diary?

Part 2) How are these two reasons important throughout the diary? Are other purposes discovered as she creates this diary? Why or why not?

Part 3) If you were to write a diary, what would be your purpose? Why? How could keeping a diary be useful for you and others?

Essay Topic 3

Etty's parents and brother arrive at Westerbork.

Part 1) Why do they end up at Westerbork? How is Etty affected by this? How does Etty try to help them? Is she successful? Why or why not?

Part 2) What is the fate of this family? Could this have been prevented? Why or why not? What does their fate reveal about the lives of the Jews who were placed in concentration camps during the war?

Part 3) How might you feel if you were in Etty's situation? How would you react if your family joined in your entrapment and suffering?

(see the answer keys)

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