View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Mr. Schneider answer the narrator's father?

2. What does Mr. Schneider offer the shop keeper?

3. In what language is the dinner ceremony conducted?

4. Why must the housekeeper's husband be careful?

5. What violates Nazi ideology?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Friedrich's preparations for his first visit to a meeting of the Jungvolk.

2. What does the narrator say when Herr Schneider asks him about the Jungvolk and how does Herr Schneider respond to the narrator's reply?

3. What is ominous about the image of Herr Schneider coming down the street and the news he brings?

4. What is the landlord's reason for telling the Schneiders they have to vacate and does the reason seem fair?

5. Explain the situation with Frau Penk and why she gives up her position with Mrs. Schneider.

6. What may be foreshadowing a future of terror and death for Jews?

7. How does the teacher demonstrate his sympathy for the Jews and for Friedrich in particular?

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

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

10. What does the speaker at the meeting talk about and what is Friedrich's reaction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Friedrich and the narrator are bathed together, the narrator's mother jokes about Friedrich being Jewish. Choose one of the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. What does it mean to be Jewish? Is it a cultural, racial, or religious designation...or some combination of the three?

2. What contributions have the Jewish people made to humanity over the last 1000 years?

3. Compare and contrast the major beliefs of the Jewish faith with Christianity.

Essay Topic 2

In the chapter titled "Benches," Friedrich falls in love with a kindergarten teacher named Helga. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Briefly describe how Friedrich and Helga's meeting and relationship develop. Do you think Helga is aware of Friedrich being Jewish at their first meeting? If she is, why do you think she is friendly to him? If not, do you think she would have turned away from him immediately if she knew?

2. What do you think Helga is like if she is willing to be friends with Friedrich knowing he is Jewish and knowing what is going on in the country concerning Jewish people? Describe her as if you are her best friend and trying to tell someone else about who she is.

3. Do you think Friedrich was right in not going back to meet up with Helga? What does this say about his character? Would you have made the same choice?

Essay Topic 3

In the chapter titled "In the Department Store," after the boys have talked with Herr Schneider for a few minutes, and Schneider no longer smiles as he turns and waves. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. About what do the two boys and Herr Schneider?

2. What do you think is disturbing to Herr Schneider about the conversation?

3. What do you think motivates the narrator's father to join the Nazi party? Do you think he should join? Why or why not?

4. Do you think the narrator's father had any viable choice to do otherwise than join the party?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,443 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample