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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. Etty writes, "Ultimately, what matters most is to __________________."

2. HIllesum refuses to blame who for allowing the atrocities against the Jews (and all of humanity) to continue?

3. Why does Etty feel guilty about her life, compared to others?

4. When does Etty not allow her faith to lapse?

5. What else does Etty come to love?

Short Essay Questions

1. What leads to Etty going to Westerbork?

2. To what does Hillesum resign herself?

3. What does Etty believe one should do to handle the increasingly difficult situation?

4. What has happened to Etty's motivations? How does she support this?

5. What does Etty admit to her friend Ru? How is this significant?

6. From what does Julius Spier die? How does Etty cope with this?

7. What happens to Etty after Spier's death?

8. How does Etty's life and beliefs change due to the war?

9. Why does Hillesum decide she would rather not marry Spier?

10. What does Etty say about suffering?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Etty is drawn to self-denial and meditation.

Part 1) Describe these desires. How are these seen at the beginning of the book? How do they change? Why do they change?

Part 2) How does self-denial play a role in her actions? How did this self-denial affect others? Is this self-denial a positive thing? Why or why not?

Part 3) When have you denied yourself something? Why did you do this? How did this affect you? Have you ever meditated or spent time being contemplative? If so, how were you affected?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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