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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. Who does Elisha want to seek out to answer his questions?

2. Why does the Sanhedrin send a delegation to Rome?

3. On his next journey, when Elisha stops in a small town what does he see?

4. How is Elisha welcomed when he arrives at the home of Pappas in Antioch?

5. To which court does the the merchant take his case, after he leaves the Jewish court?

Short Essay Questions

1. Elisha sees a young boy climbing a tree for bird eggs. What happens to the little boy and how does it affect Elisha?

2. What do the two famous sages, Eliezer and Joshua, discuss at Elisha's circumcision ceremony?

3. In Part One, Chapter X, does Elisha seem happy? Why?

4. Do you think Shraga is right to rebel against the Roman government and fight for his beliefs?

5. How does Elisha respond to the death of Beruriah and Meir's children?

6. In Part One, Chapter VI, what does Uncle Amram teach Elisha about his estate?

7. Why do Antiphanes and Elisha attend all the lectures and symposia offered in Antioch?

8. Who does Elisha turn to after sharing his thoughts with Deborah, and why?

9. Why does Pappas tell Elisha that he may move with him to Antioch?

10. In the Prologue, what do the sages debate over and what do they decide?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Prejudice is a dangerous problem throughout As a Driven Leaf. Why do the Roman soldiers tease the boys, Pappas and Elisha, about being Jews? Were the Roman soldiers' behaviors unfair or fair? More importantly, are prejudices built into culture, or do they change with every generation? Discuss at least two accounts of prejudice described in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the contrast between the decision of the people of Bethar and the decision of Elisha when faced with Roman persecution. Why did the people of Bethar choose to commit mass suicide? Who made the wiser choice, the people of Bethar or Elisha? Define wisdom according to the principles of Elisha and the town of Bethar.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 10, Elisha's life seems to be improving. He has success and good friends and financial security. However, is Elisha truly happy? What would make Elisha happier? Does happiness lie in material possessions, or in something else? Cite three examples to support a workable definition of happiness that applies to the themes of As a Driven Leaf.

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