View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Halim notice the Israeli agent initially in the Prologue?

2. On his second assignment in Chapter 8, Ostrovsky claims to look for the grave of a man named ___________.

3. According to the Mossad authorities in Chapter 7, why did the Mafia kill John F. Kennedy?

4. What do Mossad officials tell Victor to do regarding Jerry in Chapter 8?

5. What is Eiten in charge of?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ostrovsky join the Mossad?

2. What does Ostrovsky learn about Sri Lanka while facilitating companies in Chapter 6?

3. How do Ostrovsky's first assignments go in Chapter 5?

4. How is the Cypress mission botched in Chapter 8?

5. Describe the Danish operation in Chapter 6.

6. What is Victor's last cadet exercise?

7. What are the consequences of the botched Cypress assignment in Chapter 8?

8. How does the Mossad make first contact with Halim in the Prologue?

9. Where is Victor Ostrovsky transferred in Chapter 6?

10. How does Mossad eventually avert the assassination of Golda Meir in Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The operations described in Victor Ostrovsky's book can be divided into two categories which include those that are reacting to attacks on Israel and those preemptively trying to stop future attacks. Write an essay in which you compare these operations. Offer an example of each, and determine which is more effective. What tactics are used in each type of operation? How does the world react to each type? In the end, does either type of operation seem totally effective?

Essay Topic 2

One of the operational tools of the Mossad in the novel is vice, in the form of prostitutes, booze, and pornography. Write an essay on the use of vice by katsas to bring recruits on board. Cite specific examples from the text. How does sex and debauchery appeal to the type of individual they want to recruit? How does the pleasure of the forbidden provide a still-stronger hold on the recruit than a more sensible form of compensation?

Essay Topic 3

Although By Way of Deception seems to focus alternately on Mossad as a whole or Victor in particular, there are many colorful characters in it. Write an essay about three of the agents that appear in the novel. What memorable scenes occur with each of these agents? What does he think about the mission of Israel and his place within it? Looking at the three examples, is there a specific character type that seems drawn to and effective in the Mossad?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,071 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample