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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. How much money did Zalmon get from the lodges for his wife's death?

2. How many herring does Sara sell the first time she goes out peddling?

3. Who slaps Sara at the end of Chapter 8?

4. How does Reb treat Bessie's guest while they are visiting?

5. Why is Mashah poor despite being married to Moe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Father say that the prayers of his daughters go unheard by God?

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

3. What excuse does Bessie use in her defense when her mother comes into the house and sees the changes she makes?

4. What does Reb find in the store after he, Sara, and Shenah have gotten the chance to go through the stock?

5. What does Sara's first apartment look like?

6. Why does Reb not like the grocery business?

7. What steps do Shenah and Sara take to restock the store that Reb bought?

8. What happens to Sara when she cleans her apartment in Chapter 10?

9. How do customers react when they are turned away by the Smolinksy family due to lack of stock in the store?

10. Why does Zalmon wish to remarry so soon after his wife's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Smolinsky family spends a great amount of time worrying about their financial situation. In the beginning of the story, all of the older daughters are trying to work or find jobs to help support the family. Write an essay detailing the efforts the members of the Smolinsky family make to try and generate income for the family. Who works the hardest? Who works the least? How does Sara try her best to make money for the family? Use examples from the book to support your writing.

Essay Topic 2

Hugo Seelig is different from many of the men Sara meets in Bread Givers. He is intelligent, understanding, and kind. He also values Sara's education and profession when others do not. Write an essay explaining the things that make Hugo Seelig so special. Why is Sara so drawn to him when she meets him? How does he help her out? How is he different from other males in the story? In what way does being a principal strengthen his character and give him values other characters lack? Explain your rationale by providing examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Characters in Bread Givers are often dedicated to one sole task or purpose throughout the story. Write an essay explaining why certain characters in Bread Givers are dedicated to one element or another. How are these characters made distinctive and unique because of their desires in life? In what way or ways is their steadfast dedication used against them in certain circumstances? How is it used to their advantage at times? Explain your rationale by providing examples from the novel.

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