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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. Before going to join the running crowd, what does Yakov do?

2. The boy's mother identifies Yakov as the man who chased her son. What does she say Yakov was chasing her son with?

3. What is the name of the prisoner who is arrested because he is holding a bunch of pamphlets?

4. What is the sentence carried by the original charge that the man in charge of the investigation will bring against Yakov?

5. What is the mother's name of the boy Yakov is accused of killing?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Bibikov continues to question Yakov, Bibikov confesses that he is living in fear. Why?

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

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

4. When Yakov reaches the river, the boatman has to convince Yakov to accept the ferry ride. How does the boatman convince Yakov?

5. 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?

6. When Yakov finally meets with his attorney, what is the bad news that the attorney tells to Yakov?

7. As Yakov imagines talking to the Tsar, how does Yakov answer the Tsar's question about whether Yakov has been taught anything by his suffering?

8. When spring arrives, a visitor comes to the prison to comfort Yakov. Why does the visitor come?

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

10. When Yakov is returned to prison and then meets with the prosecutor, the prosecutor offers him a lighter sentence in return for what?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many attempts by the government to cover up the existence of any evidence that does not support their attempts to frame Yakov for the murder of Zhenia. Describe two of the pieces of evidence that are either "forgotten" or explained away by the authorities that might have proven Yakov's innocence. Would full disclosure by the authorities have made a difference? To Yakov? To the Black Hundreds? To the Russian citizens? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from the story.

Essay Topic 2

Identify four of the people that are on the side of the prosecution against Yakov for the murder of Zhenia. Then, compare and contrast the backgrounds, experiences, and opinions of the four prosecution members you identified when Zhenia was first found murdered. Is each member of the group necessary in order for the prosecution to build its case against Yakov? Why or why not? Is any member of the group expendable? Why or why not? What might have been different if these group members were not involved with the case? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 3

After arriving at the cave, both Bibikov and the colonel see roads leading away from the cave. Describe each of these roads and the reaction of each of these two characters upon seeing the roads. Then, compare and contrast these two characters using their reactions as the starting point for a larger discussion about how these two characters are different.

(see the answer keys)

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