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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. What becomes Etty Hillesum's main focus?

2. Each day, Etty's writings speak of her need to gain control over ______________.

3. Etty remarks that her lovers have all felt like what?

4. Etty decides to work her way through her negative feelings in hopes of what?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What foreshadowing of Etty's future occurs? How does it seem she is preparing herself for this future?

2. What is Etty's opinion of marriage for herself? Why might she feel this way?

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

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

5. Describe the men for whom Etty has feelings.

6. What does Etty say about evil?

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

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

9. How is Etty's eating disorder symbolic?

10. Why did Etty begin this diary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Etty's relationship with Julius Spier deepens.

Part 1) Who is Julius Spier? Describe him and his relationship with Etty. How does their relationship change over time? Why does it change?

Part 2) What can be learned about Etty through this relationship? How does this relationship compare to her relationship with Han?

Part 3) What ends their relationship? How does she come to realize their relationship would turn out as she thought? How does the war affect her relationship? Could this relationship have succeeded? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

There are no social class distinctions in the camp.

Part 1) Describe social classes prior to German occupation and life in a concentration camp. How does it change? Why does it change?

Part 2) How does this lack of some sort of caste system affect the Jews in the camp? Is this beneficial? Why or why not? Is this part of the German's plans? If so, why? If not, why not?

Part 3) Do you see a social class system in your own life? If so, describe it. If not, why not?

Essay Topic 3

Etty's motivations become increasingly altruistic.

Part 1) How do Etty's motivations become increasingly altruistic? Why do they grow more altruistic? What does this reveal about her?

Part 2) What external motivation does Etty receive for being altruistic? How does this compare to her internal motivation? Which are more important? Why?

Part 3) When have you acted altruistically? Why did you act this way? How did this affect you?

(see the answer keys)

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