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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 doctor advise Frau Schneider to do?

2. What indications are there that the air raid siren is not a false alarm?

3. Of what does Friedrich's father warn Friedrich?

4. About whom does the rabbi tell a story?

5. Where do the narrator and Friedrich go?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is foreshadowed in the first part of this chapter?

2. What is rather ironic in this chapter and why?

3. What is ironic about the prayer that Scholoime is reciting at his death?

4. How does Friedrich's family celebrate his Bar Mitzvah?

5. What does Friedrich speak about and what does he ask of the narrator's family? What do you think is the reason for his request?

6. Why are Friedrich and his father having uncharacteristic arguments, and why is there tension in the apartment when the narrator goes up to take the Schneiders some potatoes?

7. What about this chapter shows a different side of Friedrich's life?

8. What does this second eviction notice suggest?

9. How are these chants a perversion of Jewish historical events?

10. How is Friedrich initiated into manhood in his synagogue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

In the chapter named "Grandfather," Grandfather inspects the hands before he will shake them and the bottoms of his shoes for proper polishing. He assumes the position at the head of the table and never fails to remind Father of his failure to take care of his family. Answer of the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How does the Grandfather attempt to control his son and his son's family? Give specific examples.

2. What do you think is the main reason for this attempt at control?

3. How do you think the grandfather's personality might be a metaphor for the "personality" of the Nazi regime?

Essay Topic 3

In the chapter "School Days," it is traditional in Germany for families to celebrate the first day of school. Later in the chapter, "The Teacher," we learn that Friedrich has been barred from attending school. Answer the following questions in a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How important do you think education is to the German people at that time if they actually celebrated the first day of school? Do you think education still is important in Germany?

2. How do you think Friedrich felt when told he could no longer go to the public school? Is there any indication of his reaction? How would you feel under the same circumstances?

3. Research a little on the Jewish culture's attitude towards education. Would their ideas about learning cause the school children to feel better or worse about being excluded from the schools in pre-WWII Germany?

(see the answer keys)

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