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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. When the author describes the wind rushing through Yakov's cell, what does he liken the wind to?

2. What is the original charge that the man in charge of the investigation will bring against Yakov?

3. What is the name of the prisoner sent to talk to Yakov?

4. After the winter finally ends, Yakov is desperate to relieve his boredom. What does Yakov do?

5. Where does Yakov pretend to be from when confronted by the boatman?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Yakov suspect that the prosecutor has included the tales of molestation in the indictment?

2. Why does Yakov hate living in the Jewish neighborhood in Kiev?

3. As Yakov shivers in his cell in deepest despair, how does he view himself in relationship to the Tsar?

4. Why does the Deputy Warden's appearance frighten Yakov?

5. Looking back on his marriage to Raisl, why does Yakov now believe that it was a mistake to marry Raisl?

6. 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?

7. Why does the prisoner sent to talk to Yakov eventually end up apologizing to Yakov?

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

9. When Yakov sees Bibikov in one of his visions, what does Yakov imagine telling Bibikov?

10. When Yakov reads the propaganda circulating against the Jews, why does he grow uneasy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Malamud uses this story to demonstrate how wrong it is to hate people for their religious beliefs and backgrounds. Examine the author's beliefs through his storytelling. Why would the author choose this story to overlay his demonstration of the consequences realized when acting out of hatred? What do you learn from the author's discussion on hatred? What other avenues, if any, could the author have used to express his beliefs? Would those avenues have been as effective as the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

There is no doubt that Yakov has been greatly affected by the murder of his parents that occurred years earlier in the shtetl. Discuss how Yakov's past affects not only his worldview, but also his decision to leave the shtetl and his ability to cope with his incarceration. How does Yakov's past affect his mental state, his ability to reason, his ability to trust, and his ability to hope?

Essay Topic 3

In the course of the novel, Yakov is involved with two very different women - Raisl and Zina.

a. Compare and contrast these two women. How are they alike? How are they different?

b. Describe the relationship that Yakov has with each of these women. How does Yakov benefit from each relationship? What struggles does Yakov go through as a result of each relationship?

c. Is Yakov better or worse off for having been with each of these women? Explain your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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