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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 task has Rabbi Judah ben Baba been chosen for during the meeting in the attic?

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

3. After 8 years in Antioch, Elisha writes a monograph detailing what?

4. What information about the new rabbis reaches Elisha in Caeserea?

5. Where do Elisha and Pappas go to meet with Rufus?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What did Manto make Elisha vow to do, as she lay dying in his arms?

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

5. What does Elisha tell Meir about faith and reason?

6. While in jail, Akiba makes a prediction. What does Akiba predict?

7. What is symbolic about Meir choosing to not walk with Elisha past the boundary where Jews are not allowed to cross on the Sabbath?

8. Why does Elisha decide not to reveal the names of the new rabbis to Rufus?

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

10. Rufus presents a life or death question to Pappas and Elisha. How does Elisha respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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