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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 did Madga, at first, refuse to attempt escape?

2. After they disembarked from the train, who was immediately sent to the left?

3. What "presents" did Tadek, the blue-eyed man, give to Olga?

4. What name was given to the internee who was chosen as barrack chief?

5. What did Olga hide in her boot?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Dr. and Mrs. Lengyel respond to the stories they heard about the cruelty of the Germans and their treatment of prisoners?

2. Describe the conditions of the work in the infirmary.

3. What went on in the washroom during the rest hour?

4. Who was the "Lageraelteste" and why was she chosen for this position?

5. How did Olga's life in the infirmary compare to the life she was previously leading in the camp?

6. Why did the Germans allow the prisoners to write postcards to their loved ones outside of the camps?

7. How did the German soldiers react to the passengers on the train cars?

8. In what ways was Birkenau different from Auschwitz?

9. How was the Zahlappel different from a regular selection?

10. Why did Olga blame herself for the deaths of her parents and children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How were religious leaders treated in the camp? How did the conditions of the camp affect their religious beliefs? How were other prisoners affected by the examples of these religious leaders?

Essay Topic 2

In spite of the horrible treatment that the prisoners received at the hands of the Nazis and the misdeeds toward one another, Olga describes some true kindnesses among the prisoners. Describe the kind acts that she experienced and observed, and analyze the value of these acts for those involved.

Essay Topic 3

How was the author able to maintain her positive perspective on human nature despite the horrific ordeals she had experienced and witnessed?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,400 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample