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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. With what does Friedrich win over the narrator?

2. What does the narrator ask of Mr. Schneider?

3. Who is the downcast drunk that shuffles by?

4. What does Friedrich do with his candy?

5. What is Friedrich explaining to the narrator?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think the narrator is so distracted?

2. What is the date and setting and milieu at the opening of this novel and what major characters are introduced?

3. What first appears in this chapter and what is the context?

4. Why do you think Friedrich says "Heil, Hitler" outside the department store?

5. Do you think Herr Schneider should have listened to the narrator's father about leaving Germany?

6. Describe how the window is broken. Do you think the narrator shows courage in taking responsibility for breaking the window or is lying never acceptable?

7. Who is Dr. Jakob Askenase and what is significant about the boys' visit there in this chapter?

8. How does the narrator describe the Jewish Sabbath dinner at Friedrich's home? What does this indicate to the reader?

9. Describe the grandfather's visit to the narrator's household.

10. What does this scene about the broken window portend?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the chapter titled "The Festival," the rabbi reminds Friedrich, who is 13, that he alone is now responsible before God for his actions. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. What is a Bar Mitzvah?

2. Why do you think the Jews celebrate this ceremony? Is it still celebrated today?

3. Do you think a boy of 13 is ready to be solely responsible for his own actions and decisions? Why or why not?

4. The narrator is astonished by Friedrich's wisdom. Do you think this wisdom is gained partially through the fire of persecution?

Essay Topic 2

The chapter titled "The Movie" is very significant in understanding how the German people came to be active Jew persecutors or at the very least placidly compliant in the slaughter and persecution of Jews. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research the movie Sweet Jew and do a critical analysis of the content.

2. Research the history of the German film industry from its internationally acclaimed status in the early part of the 20th century to its decline in quality when it began being used by the Nazi party for the dissemination of propaganda. Write an essay chronicling the changes.

3. How are movies still used to support and promote certain political or social agendas? Write an essay discussing this topic.

Essay Topic 3

In the chapter titled "The Cleaning Lady," Frau Penk apologetically responds that she had planned on coming to tell Frau Schneider that she can no longer work for her. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Why can Frau Penk no longer work for the Schneiders? Is this fair?

2. Do you think Frau Penk should ignore the law and do what she thinks is right? Why or why not?

3. Are there any alternatives to Frau Penk just quitting?

4. Frau Penk says her husband used to be a communist and therefore they have to be very careful. What do you think she means by this?

5. What would you do in Frau Penk's place?

(see the answer keys)

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