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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. To what group does Nikolai belong?

2. How long is Yakov in solitary confinement before Bibikov comes to question him again?

3. As Yakov reflects on his time with Raisl, how does he characterize their early life together?

4. What is the name of the fat man who shares his packages from the outside with the other prisoners?

5. What is the name of the secret society that the prosecutor accuses Yakov of belonging to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Yakov reminded of as he wonders what might have happened if he simply had stayed in the shtetl?

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

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

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

5. As spring continues on, Yakov is no longer allowed to make his trips to the kitchen. Why?

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

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

8. Why is the Deputy Warden excited to learn of Yakov's escape-from-boredom activities?

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

10. As Yakov's hallucinations become regular, what does he have trouble figuring out?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the Nikolai character at the beginning of the book after Yakov saves his life. What is Nikolai's motivation? What drives him? Then, discuss this same character when he provides false testimony when questioned by the police about Yakov. What is Nikolai's motivation then? What is driving him? How do the events that happen between these two personalities change Nikolai's character from someone the reader likes - or perhaps feels sorry for - into a character the reader begins to hate? Who is Nikolai at the end of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Several people that Yakov has been in contact with provide damaging information against him to the police during the investigation of Zhenia's murder. Compare and contrast the following characters in terms of their personalities, their "testimony", and their motivations: Proshko, Zina, and Nikolai.

(see the answer keys)

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