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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 does the crowd see when the people finally stop running?

2. What is the name of the guard who is comforted by Yakov's scripture readings?

3. In Chapter 6, Part 4, what is the name of the guard who is on Yakov's side?

4. Where does Yakov first find Nikolai?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain Bibikov's theory regarding Zhenia's murder.

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

4. Why does Yakov debate returning the next day to the home of the person he found passed out in the snow?

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

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

7. After refusing the pardon, Yakov decides that things are never truly as bad as they can get. Why does Yakov decide that?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Through his experiences at the prison and his hallucinatory discussions with the Tsar, Yakov comes to believe that liberty is worth fighting for. Discuss the process by which Yakov arrives at this conclusion. Be sure to include how Yakov's beliefs change as his arrest and subsequent incarceration drag on. How do his hallucinatory discussions with the Tsar impact his beliefs? Which are more important in shaping Yakov's eventual belief in liberty - his hallucinations or his experiences? Explain and support your reasoning.

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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