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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 conversation with her father does Lina recall?

2. What happens one day when Lina is sent off the train?

3. Where is Elena ordered to go?

4. What day does Lina recall as she is falling asleep?

5. What does Lina realize the priest is doing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the bald man say about Hitler, and what does Lina think about it?

2. Where does the truck go after Lina's family is on it and why does it go there?

3. What upsets Lina about being told to shower but why is she happy?

4. Why does Elena rush her children and what is the mood when they get back on the truck?

5. How do they dispose of Ona's baby's body?

6. What does Lina notice as the train is pulling away from the station?

7. How does Lina's quick thinking help her mother?

8. How often does the train stop and for what reason?

9. What does Lina remember about her artistic abilities?

10. What does Lina's father say to Lina?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Looking back on the fact that Kretsky had helped her out of the hole when Lina believed she was about to be killed and looking forward to Kretsky's later actions, it seems more likely that Kretsky realized Lina was in danger from the other two soldiers. Lina is fifteen and is probably an attractive young woman, despite the hardships she's faced. Rape is likely very common and it seems that Kretsky was probably anxious to take the soldier's minds off Lina as an attractive young woman. Though she doesn't see it, Kretsky hates his role in the situation. Discuss the following:

1. What would happen if Kretsky spoke out even more strongly through his actions and words, about the way prisoners are treated?

2. Does Kretsky have a choice in his role in the prisoners lives?

3. Is the threat of death (assuming Kretsy would be killed if he disobeys and order or speaks out against the abuse of prisoners) a valid reason for continuing in a position of abuse?

4. Is Kretsky's small ways of trying to make it up to the prisoners redemptive for Kretsky?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Between Shades of Gray". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in "Between Shades of Gray". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "Between Shades of Gray". Consider the death of Ona's baby as an random act of nature and the death of Ona as the result of conscious violence. Consider also in your answer the death of innocence in Lina from the beginning of the book to the end.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Between Shades of Gray" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Between Shades of Gray"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Between Shades of Gray" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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