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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who ends up being able to visit Yakov in prison because he or she sold beets to the right person?

2. By the time a man enters Yakov's cell and offers him a pardon, how long has Yakov been imprisoned?

3. Who comes to Yakov's cell to announce the trial?

4. What does Yakov use to dig at the concrete holding his chains in place?

5. After Yakov's visitor runs screaming from his cell, what is confiscated from Yakov?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Malamud uses this story to demonstrate how wrong it is to hate people for their religious beliefs and backgrounds. Examine the author's beliefs through his storytelling. Why would the author choose this story to overlay his demonstration of the consequences realized when acting out of hatred? What do you learn from the author's discussion on hatred? What other avenues, if any, could the author have used to express his beliefs? Would those avenues have been as effective as the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the course of the novel, Yakov has to deal with two very different authority figures. Compare and contrast the relationship Yakov has with Bibikov and the relationship Yakov has with the prosecutor. Then, compare and contrast the two men. How do these two relationships influence not only Yakov, but also the events that surround the crime and its investigation?

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.

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