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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 is the defense of the downed aircraft a battle of attrition?

2. Why does the foreign minister think Jacob Hausner stayed behind?

3. Who is Saul Ezer?

4. Why do Isaac Burg and Jacob Hausner agree that the time has come to give no orders?

5. How does Abdel Jabari confuse the attackers?

Short Essay Questions

1. To what does Major Bartok eventually attribute the successful defense of Concorde 02?

2. Why does Nathan Burg veto the idea of attempting an escape at night?

3. Why does Dr. Al-Thanni recommend that Joshua Giddel make no attempt to rescue Benjamin Dobkin?

4. What motives does Nathan Burg attribute to Jacob Hausner for wanting to stay behind when the aircraft left the mountaintop?

5. Why does Miriam Bernstein believe the role of the scribe is so important?

6. Why is Salim Tayid able to survive when none of the other Ashbals attacking the west bank do?

7. Why does Miriam Bernstein believe that Jacob Hausner wanted to stay behind?

8. Why does Ahmed Rish have to wash his face and hands after his interrogation of Deborah Gideon?

9. Which countries are now involved in the events in Babylon?

10. Why does Benjamin Dobkin have a sense of deja vu when he enters by the Ishtar Gate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Transformation is a theme in this story. Many characters undergo significant changes. In your essay, select two characters (apart from Jacob Hausner and Miriam Bernstein) who are not the same in the return flight as they were when the story began. Discuss the causes and effects of the changes they have undergone.

Essay Topic 2

Masada is important both as a cautionary tale and as a plan for the trapped defenders. Research the happenings at Masada and write an essay explaining its similarities and differences to the fictional situation in this story, and its importance in the minds of the characters.

Essay Topic 3

The kheffiyah (keffiyah) plays an important role in this story, as it both identifies and disguises characters. Write an essay explaining how an article of clothing can carry such weight of identity. Use scenes from the story in which characters either identify or disguise themselves to make your point.

(see the answer keys)

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