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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. Of what are those who are killed accused?

2. Which one of Jesus' sayings comes to Elias' mind at the end of this chapter?

3. Who rules Palestine until the end of WWI?

4. What does Elias do on Palm Sunday?

5. What is Palestine when Elias returns home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Elias see as the view the Western world had of the Jews and a homeland?

2. What was Elias doing when he knew what work remained for him and what was that work?

3. What was the political and economic situation like in Israel in 1967?

4. What does Chacour call upon the nations who war and why does he see it as an insult to God?

5. What happened in another village because of Elias's intercession? What did Elias do when he was given a gift?

6. What does Elias ask of the Jew, Westerners, and Arabs?

7. Why did the Bishop have an appointment with Elias and what was Elias's feelings about it?

8. What had happened in Palestine by the time Elias returned there after his studies in Paris?

9. What assignment did Elias receive following his ordination and what was his first encounter like there?

10. Why does he consider the conflict in Israel so horrific?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Elias' father's perspective is historical and he makes certain the children know their heritage. Discuss the following:

1. What is the status of Jews, Muslim and Christians in Palestine before the coming of Zionism?

2. What three principles does Michael Chacour instill in his children and how does Elias manifest those principles as an adult?

3. What advantages are there in knowing one's family and regional history? Are there any disadvantages? How does this knowledge help Elias?

Essay Topic 2

In May, 1948, the British withdrew from Palestine completely, leaving the Zionists to pursue their land grabs, blowing up entire villages in their path. Discuss the following:

1. Is there any justification for the Zionist policy towards the Palestinians according to Chacour? Do you think the actions of the Zionist are justfied? Why or why not?

2. What would you have done if your village was suddenly occupied by Zionist soldiers? Would you have welcomed them, tried to sabotage their purpose, or forgiven their actions?

3. How does the guilt that the Europeans experience over the Holocaust contribute to their recognizing Israel despite the violations against native Palestinians?

Essay Topic 3

The narrator of the book is Elias Chacour, who writes from his own point of view as he experiences and hears about events concerning the formation of the State of Israel and the ongoing conflict concerning the problems that arise out of that formation. Discuss the following:

1. What is meant by a reliable or unreliable narrator? Which do you think Elias is? Why?

2. What would Elias gain by skewing the story of his life? Do you think the gain would be worth the potential cost if he were to be proven to be inaccurate?

3. Is any narrator of a "true" story totally reliable? What factors might affect the reliability of any autobiographical writer including Elias?

(see the answer keys)

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