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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 old is Zalmon?

2. How many hours does Sara work to be able to support herself and go to night school?

3. What insult does Mother and Father call Mashah?

4. Why does Reb not want his eldest daughter to marry Berel?

5. What is the name of Morris Lipkin's collection of poems?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sara have trouble finding an apartment after running away from home?

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

3. Why does Reb not like the grocery business?

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

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

6. Why does Sara think herself in love with Morris Lipkin after he and Fania are no longer together?

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

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 Berel Bernstein decide to not marry Bessie?

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

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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