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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. How much does Mashah spend at the store buying her own towel, toothbrush, and soap?

3. Why do Shenah and Reb argue at the end of Chapter 7?

4. How much money does Zalmon pay Reb for Bessie's hand in marriage?

5. Why does Sara storm out of Mashah and Moe's home in Chapter 9?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sara vow to marry an American-born man?

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

3. Why is Mother fretting over money at the beginning of the story?

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

5. Why does Sara insist that she wants to work?

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

7. For what reason does the man in the paper sell Reb his store for only four hundred dollars?

8. Why does Father get arrested and sent to court?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Happiness the something rarely experienced by the characters in Bread Givers. Often times, the world is harsh and there is little cause for celebration. Write an essay exploring the reasons behind the lack of happiness and satisfaction in the character's lives. What are the most major reasons for a lack of happiness in Sara's life? What about Reb and Shenah's life? What about the marriages Bessie, Fania, and Mashah have make them unhappy? Why? Explain your rationale by providing examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Love and marriage are subjects often brought up in Bread Givers. All three of Sara's older sisters are married off to men they hardly know. Sara's parents barely knew each other before they were married. Write an essay exploring the idea of arranged marriage in the context of the story. Why do Bessie, Fania, and Mashah feel powerless over choosing who they marry? Why do match makers and prearranged marriages exist in the context of the story? Which of the characters refuses to get married to a man she doesn't love? Use examples from the book to support your opinions.

Essay Topic 3

The Torah is mentioned by Reb many times in Bread Givers. He uses it not only as a gateway for information, but as a source from which to preach. Write an essay explaining why the Torah is important to the story. What does it symbolize? In which situations does Reb use the Torah to try and educate his children? How is the Torah used to support the idea of religious fanaticism? Use examples from the book to support your writing.

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