View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens when Meir and Elisha part ways?

2. What do the people of Bethar do when they realize that the Romans will soon overrun their town?

3. What do the Roman reinforcements bring with them?

4. What can Meir see in his old master's eyes?

5. Meir walks with Elisha until they reach the boundary which marks what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Elisha's discussion with Charicles deeply disturb Elisha?

2. What did the people of Bethar choose to do rather than face Roman slavery and torture?

3. What happened to Elisha after he was forced to watch the rabbis be executed?

4. As Elisha and Pappas travel back to Jerusalem, how does their hometown look?

5. Why is Elisha not happy about his relationship with Manto?

6. Elisha's life was controversial and devastating as he searched for truth. Was Elisha's search for truth in vain?

7. How do the Jews of Palestine react when they discover Judah was martyred?

8. Why does Akiba refuse to speak to Elisha when they see each other on the road?

9. Describe the symbolism behind Rufus making Elisha sit beside a harlot during the executions.

10. Why does Demonax refuse to take on Elisha as a student, and what consolation does he offer to Elisha?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Meir and Beruriah's sons die, Elisha thinks about the fragility of life. Elisha looks to Jewish stories and traditions for solace, but he begins to doubt their veracity. Why does Elisha look to the Jewish traditions and literature for comfort? Why does he doubt their potency and truth? Cite three examples of mistrust of faith throughout the novel and explain the tensions characters have between faith and reason.

Essay Topic 2

Elisha proposes to Manto because he loves her. However, Manto rejects Elisha's offer of marriage. Is Manto right to not leave her lifestyle for Elisha? Is Elisha being too selfish and asking too much of Manto, or do you think Manto's love isn't strong enough? Argue for or against Manto's decision. Support your argument with three solid reasons and use material from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Elisha quickly learns that with knowledge comes sadness. What other consequences, good or bad, can there be to learning and studying? Provide three examples for both the positive and negative sides.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 951 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample