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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 does Morris get from across the street?

2. What does Helen do with Frank's gifts?

3. How does Frank feel about Jews?

4. What does Morris do because of his suspicions?

5. What habit does Ida nag Morris about?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Frank Alpine say about his luck and opportunities?

2. Why does Ida resent Morris and their current situation? What responsibility does she have for the state of their lives?

3. What terrible things are revealed about Frank in this chapter?

4. What do you think the relevance of St. Francis is to the story?

5. What does Nick, the tenant, do to offend Morris?

6. According to Morris, what does it mean to be Jewish?

7. How does Frank reward himself for working hard? Is this suspicious?

8. How does Frank feel about life at the store?

9. What do Louis and Helen talk about when they go for a ride?

10. Describe Frank's early family life.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that critically reviews THE ASSISTANT by Bernard Malamud, in a formal book review style. Be sure to address:

1) Major themes of the novel and how well they are communicated to readers.

2) Your opinion on the writing style used by the author.

3) The universal importance of the book's subject matter.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay describing your vision of the ideal lifestyle. Be sure to address:

1) What you feel are the most important aspects of a good lifestyle, and what to avoid.

2) How one can attain the ideal lifestyle, and how realistic this lifestyle is.

3) How THE ASSISTANT by Bernard Malamud has influenced your view of the ideal lifestyle.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the life choices made by character in THE ASSISTANT. Be sure to address:

1) Themes and examples of regret and missed opportunities.

2) Examples of good and bad life choices made by characters in the novel.

3) The message you feel Bernard Malamud is communicating to readers regarding life choices.

(see the answer keys)

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