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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. What is the name of the woman Yakov married?

2. What does the fat man who shares his packages from the outside with the other prisoners offer to do for Yakov once the fat man is released from the prison?

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

4. According to Yakov, what does he believe the boy saw in Yakov's apartment?

5. After fixing up the apartment, Nikolai offers Yakov another job. Where is the job located?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Yakov try to refute the priest's claims that Jews need blood?

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

4. Describe the scene from Yakov's childhood that gives him nightmares.

5. According to Yakov's visitor in prison, why is he known as the "nameless Jew"?

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

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

8. 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?

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

10. Describe the later years of Yakov and Raisl's marriage.

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

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.

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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