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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. Why does Reb refuse to become a Rabbi?

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

3. Where did Bessie and Berel Bernstein first meet?

4. Who does Sara see Mashah bargaining with when she arrives at her home to visit?

5. Why does the relationship between Mashah and her first love fall apart?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Reb not like the grocery business?

3. How does Sara see Moe treating Mashah when she visits them after running away from home?

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

5. Who is Muhmenkeh?

6. Why do men follow Mashah around with "melting looks?"

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

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

9. How does Bessie's personality change after she marries Zalmon the fish peddler?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The author draws great attention to Sara's need for a space which she can call her own. Early on, Sara is forced to live a cramped lifestyle with her family. As soon as she gets the chance after running away, she goes in search of a room of her own. Sara is insistent upon having a door she is able to shut. Much later after she has become a teacher, Sara finds a room that is large, airy, and bright. Write an essay explaining why having a special space or place to live is important to Sara. Why is having a door to shut so important to Sara? Other than having a door, what are other specifications she likes to have in an apartment? What sort of happiness does she receive from having a special place to live in? Be sure the provide examples to support your writing.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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