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

2. How did Mother react when she found out that Mashah bought her own towel, toothbrush, and soap?

3. Why did the family leave most of their valuable tools behind when they moved to America?

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

5. How does Shenah react when she realizes that her husband has been swindled by buying the store?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Reb not like the grocery business?

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

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

4. How does Mashah's behavior change when she falls in love with her young man?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Max Goldstein is the first man that Sara ever loves. Whether the love is honest and true is something the book debates. Write an essay detailing the events of Sara's first love. How is meeting Max Goldstein a significant event for Sara? How does he change her? Is their relationship a healthy one? Is the love Sara experiences briefly with Max true or is it merely an infatuation? Use examples from the book to support your argument.

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