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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. By September of 1941, it becomes clear from her diary entries that Etty Hillesum has begun to change _________________.

2. Even before reaching Westerbork, Etty Hillesum's ___________ emerges as something independent and infinitely more powerful than her physical self.

3. Spier's specialty is commonly known as what?

4. Etty Hillesum's diary begins on what day?

5. It is at this point that Etty Hillesum identifies her loneliness as a deep well that can only be filled by ______________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Etty begin to change significantly and radically?

3. How is Etty's eating disorder symbolic?

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

5. What does Etty say about the topic of hatred?

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

7. Over what does Etty want to gain control? What does she resolve to do every day?

8. What does Etty reveal about Spier? How does Etty, at this point, feel about Spier?

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

10. What problem does Etty experience? Why? How does this lead to a discussion of Etty's family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Etty and her family are transported to Auschwitz.

Part 1) What leads to them being transported to this concentration camp? How is this foreshadowed earlier in the book? How did Etty feel when her family joined her in Westerbork and then in Auschwitz? Why did she feel this way?

Part 2) Why might they have all been sent to Auschwitz? Is there anything that could have been done to prevent this? How does this lead to the end of the story? How does this affect you as the reader?

Part 3) How does Etty's attitude throughout this book help Etty prepare for this tragedy? What can we learn from Etty and her attitude throughout this book?

Essay Topic 2

Etty verbalizes her faith to her friend.

Part 1) Describe Etty's faith and how it changes over time. What causes these changes in her faith? How does this, in turn, affect her thoughts and actions?

Part 2) Why does she verbalize her faith to a friend? How does this affect her? How is this important?

Part 3) In what do you have faith? Why? How does this faith influence your thoughts and actions?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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