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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 is the name of the place Sara goes to for cheap meals in a nice environment?

2. Who does Mr. Moe Mirsky marry?

3. How much does Sara make when she first begins her job in Chapter 10?

4. What bad habit does Abe Schmukler have?

5. What is the name of Sara's older sister who only concerns herself with fashion and beauty?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Muhmenkeh?

2. How does Bessie react to the news that Berel Bernstein will not marry her?

3. What are in the three packages Bessie brings home after work to dress up the house with?

4. What inspires Sara to become a teacher in Chapter 10?

5. Why does Moe Mirsky continuously exchange Mashah's diamonds for different ones?

6. Why does Reb not like the grocery business?

7. What happens when Morris shows up to try to talk to Reb about his feelings for Fania?

8. Why does Bessie quietly agree to marry Zalmon despite the fact that she is repulsed by him?

9. Why does Berel Bernstein decide to not marry Bessie?

10. How does Reb react when he finds out how Morris Lipkin makes his living?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

All of the members of the Smolinsky family are close because of their living conditions early on in the story. Family ties exist throughout the novel and are made example of in certain situations. Write an essay exploring the idea of family ties. How are they important in Bread Givers? Which characters attempt to break their ties with the family? How do they try and break them? Why? Explain your rationale by providing examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Sara struggles for acceptance by those around her all throughout the story. Her family does not understand her ambitions and neither do some of her peers at work and school. Write an essay explaining the efforts Sara makes to gain acceptance from those around her. What are some of the things she tries to do to blend in with those around her? What events does she attend in an attempt to feel akin to those around her? Be sure the provide examples to support your writing.

Essay Topic 3

Food is often used to connect events throughout the story. Whether it be Shenah's cooking or the food in the cafeteria on Grand Street, the end result is the same. Write an essay detailing where and when food is used to connect events in Bread Givers. What does food symbolize? Shenah is known for making which dishes? The food at the Grand Street Cafeteria represents what to Sara and other working girls? Why is Mrs. Feinstein's cooking brought up as a subject at the end of the story? Use examples from the book to support your writing.

(see the answer keys)

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