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

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

3. Back in his cell after the indictment farce in court, what does Yakov compare his scenario to?

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

5. When one of the guards takes pity on Yakov, what does Yakov suddenly have?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to the prosecutor, what has the Tsar been notified to be on the alert for?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

9. After Yakov's visitor leaves, the warden learns of the visit and interrogates Yakov again. What is the interrogation about?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

B.A. Bibikov is a study in contradictions. As the lead investigator into Zhenia's murder, Bibikov reports to the authorities, yet believes in Yakov's innocence. Identify, then compare and contrast the different sides of Bibikov. How does Bibikov arrive at his conclusions about Yakov? What implications does Bibikov face for his conclusions? In Bibikov's place, would you fight for Yakov or simply go along with the other authority figures? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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