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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 does Halim notice the Israeli agent initially in the Prologue?

2. What do the cadets spend a year doing in Chapter 6?

3. What does a prominent Syrian official come to Denmark to do in Chapter 6?

4. In Chapter 3, Ostrovsky mentions a computer that tracks __________.

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do the recruits lives change in Chapter 5?

3. When does Halim begin doing work for Donovan in the Prologue?

4. How does Ostrovsky join the Mossad?

5. Where is Victor Ostrovsky transferred in Chapter 6?

6. What communications information do the cadets learn in Chapter 7?

7. Describe the Danish operation in Chapter 6.

8. What training do the cadets receive in Chapter 3?

9. Who is Akbar?

10. How is the head of Black September connected to Akbar in Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the first part of By Way of Deception, Victor Ostrovsky clearly is uncertain about the morality of his participation in Mossad. By the end of this part, the author has become completely disillusioned by the agency. Write an essay focusing on Ostrovsky's alienation from Mossad.

Part 1) Discuss the initial interviews, tests and lessons of Ostrovsky's time in Mossad officer training. What does he feel about the moral bending he is required to undertake? What does he feel about the conspiracy theorizing of the agency? How does this illustrate his relationship with Mossad from the beginning?

Part 2) Explore the awkward interaction in Chapter 8 between Ostrovsky and Jerry. How does this interaction illustrate the lack of honor in the agency? Why does Ostrovsky react so violently against it, and what is unnerving about the Mossad's reaction to the incident?

Part 3) Discuss the moment at which Ostrovsky is forced to leave the Mossad. What grand mistake does he make, and what different forces compel him to this failure? To what extent does Ostrovsky seem to be set up? How does this illustrate his innate separation from the agency?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the international movement for a free Palestinian state in the novel. What does the Arab world think about the Palestinian people and the figure of Arafat? To what extent is every power in the world reacting to this movement? Explore the chapter involving the Camp David Accords. How does the desire to internationally resolve the strife of the Palestinians forever taint the relationship between the United States and Israel?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout By Way of Deception, Ostrovsky portrays Israel as a nation in the midst of a hostile region. The author introduces numerous prominent enemies of the State of Israel. Write an essay about three such enemies. Why does each enemy protest regarding Israel? What tactics do they use to harm the nation? How does Israel respond to this danger, and what role Mossad play in this struggle? Does Israel succeed in neutralizing the enemy?

Part 1) PLO

Part 2) Black September

Part 3) Libya

(see the answer keys)

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