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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 do the girls at Sara's work treat her after she wears make up to work for the first time?

2. Why does Shenah not approve of Sara living on her own and taking night classes?

3. What piece of gym equipment does Sara smash?

4. How does Sara feel after her first night out with Max Goldstein?

5. What does Reb start wearing on a normal basis in Chapter 29?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Max Goldstein come into the business of running a department store?

2. Why does Sara choose to go to the freshman class dance at college?

3. Why does Mrs. Feinstein contact Sara at work and ask her to stop by her and Reb's place?

4. Why does Fania insist that Sara will become an old maid?

5. How does Sara feel about her surroundings when she first goes to college?

6. Why does Sara see her graduation day from college as being bittersweet?

7. Describe Sara's trip to the department store on Fifth Avenue.

8. What does the letter from Fania to Sara say in Chapter 14?

9. Why does Reb treat Sara so harshly after he finds out about her refusal to marry Max Goldstein?

10. Why is Shenah so weak when Sara sees her in Chapter 18?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Smolinsky family immigrated to the United States from Russia. They arrived with very little because they came with the expectation that anything they would need would be easily obtainable. Write an essay explaining how the fictitious and fantastical America contrasts with reality. Which character or characters thought that in America, things would cost nothing? How is living in America much more difficult than anticipated for the Smolinsky family? What challenges has the family faced since immigrating? Be sure the provide examples to support your writing.

Essay Topic 2

A good education is something that is valued very little by the characters in Bread Givers. Of the Smolinsky siblings, only Fania and Sara go to night school. Sara is the only one to ever graduate college. Write an essay explaining why education is not highly valued by characters in Bread Givers. How does gender play into the fact that education is not prioritized for women? Why is money of greater value than knowledge in the story? What types of skills are viewed as being more valuable than a good education? Why? Explain your rationale by providing examples from the novel.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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