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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who discovers what Yakov is doing and confiscates his materials?
(a) Kogin.
(b) The deputy warden.
(c) Gronfein.
(d) Zhitnyak.

2. As Yakov is being transported to court for his indictment, what does he fantasize about while riding on the trolley?
(a) Escaping from his captors.
(b) Being freed.
(c) Killing the onlookers.
(d) Speaking to an attorney.

3. Where does Yakov pretend to be from when confronted by the boatman?
(a) Poland.
(b) Latvia.
(c) Kiev.
(d) Germany.

4. Even though Yakov is desperately ill and not allowed access to the prison hospital, the prison doctor does tell him how to be cured. What is the doctor's advice?
(a) Sleep.
(b) Exercise.
(c) Pray.
(d) Fast.

5. Back in his cell after the indictment farce in court, what does Yakov compare his scenario to?
(a) A bad talisman.
(b) Voodoo.
(c) A black horse.
(d) An evil curse.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Yakov decide not to reveal to the boatman?

2. As the story begins, where is Yakov Bok?

3. In order to make Yakov appear like a Hasidic Jew, what does the Deputy Warden refuse to let Yakov do?

4. When Yakov is taken back to prison, he is shown a book that some of the officials are developing. What is the book's topic?

5. What offense does Proshko accuse Yakov of when he gives his statement to the secret police?

Short Essay Questions

1. Even though Yakov keeps track of the days, he's not completely sure he's right. Why not?

2. Why does Yakov steel himself to live instead of wanting to die?

3. Why does Yakov stop keeping track of the days?

4. After being returned to his cell following the farce of an indictment, Yakov loses it. Describe his behavior.

5. When spring arrives, a visitor comes to the prison to comfort Yakov. What does the visitor tell Yakov he must do in order to be released from the prison?

6. When Yakov is returned to his cell, he feels a certain kinship with two other men in his cell. What does Yakov think the men all have in common?

7. What does Yakov think about as he rides in the carriage to the courthouse?

8. When Yakov is offered a pardon by the Tsar, why does Yakov refuse the pardon?

9. Based on the indictment the warden delivers to Yakov, why does Yakov think he may be freed when he finally goes to trial?

10. According to Zhenia's mother, why does she delay in reporting her son as missing?

(see the answer keys)

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