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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. According to the prosecutor's theory, why does Yakov kill Zhenia?

2. Who begins to visit Yakov's cell in the middle of winter in order to obtain body samples?

3. One day during the dreary Russian winter, Yakov loses his cool in his cell. What does he do?

4. According to the prosecutor in the courtroom, what punishment is Yakov facing?

5. When Yakov happens upon an old injured Jewish man while returning from shopping, where does Yakov take the injured man?

Short Essay Questions

1. As winter nears, Yakov hopes to be indicted. Why?

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

3. According to what Marfa has written, what should Yakov do in order for everything to be set right?

4. During an exercise recess, Yakov is told that the other prisoners do not like him. Why not?

5. When Yakov describes the things he takes pleasure in, what does he describe?

6. Why doesn't Yakov want the authorities to win if he should happen to die a "nameless Jew"?

7. As Yakov is being prepared for his trial, why does a barber come and shave Yakov's head?

8. Even though Yakov is desperately ill and is not allowed access to the prison hospital, Yakov is relieved. Why?

9. After Yakov's chains are removed and he is waiting to meet with his new attorney, what is Yakov wondering about?

10. Why is Yakov's visitor miserable living in the shtetl?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Clearly, anti-Semitism plays a central role in the development of the characters and the plot of the story.

a. Define anti-Semitism and describe what anti-Semitism is and what it is not.

b. How does the author use anti-Semitism to develop his characters and the story's plot?

c. Why does the author use anti-Semitism in the story? What does the author hope to gain?

d. How might the story have been impacted if the anti-Semitism piece had been completely left out? Would the story have been richer? More dramatic? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characteristics, roles, loyalties, and agendas of the following people in the story: Yakov, Nikolai, Marfa, Raisl, and the prosecutor.

(see the answer keys)

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