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

Short Answer Questions

1. How is Yakov feeling when he arrives at the courthouse?

2. As Yakov prepares to go to trial, what does he see in his visions?

3. According to Marfa's information, who does the current theory insist put Yakov up to the crime?

4. Who finally confirms that Yakov is the "nameless Jew" arrested in Kiev to the people in the shtetl?

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

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

Compare and contrast Yakov Bok and B.A. Bibikov.

a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?

b. Compare the role that justice plays in each of their lives. How is each character affected by the concept of justice - both positively and negatively?

Essay Topic 3

Two times in the story before his arrest, Yakov stops to help someone lying hurt on the street. Identify each of these situations. Then, determine what consequences Yakov realized - both positive and negative - from helping these people. Based on the consequences realized, should Yakov have stopped to help or not? Had he not stopped in either instance, how would the story have been impacted? Explain your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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