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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 is Gimpel's profession?

2. What does Gimpel say most men would do in his situation?

3. Instead of raisins, what do the other children put in Gimpel's hand?

4. Judging by Gimpel's description, how is Elka's current living situation?

5. When does Gimpel receive his nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the rabbi's daughter tell Gimpel to do and why is this important?

2. What does Gimpel see and hear at his house in Chapter 2, when he comes home early from the bakery?

3. After months of separation, who does Gimpel confront the day after his return and what is said?

4. Why is Gimpel called a fool?

5. Does Gimpel believe Elka's wedding night excuse? Why or why not?

6. What is Gimpel's religion and how do we know this?

7. What happens at the bakery and what does it allow Gimpel to do?

8. After righting his revenge plot, what does Gimpel do when he returns home?

9. What does Gimpel fear he will lose if he follows through with revenge?

10. After much consideration, what does the rabbi say to Gimpel regarding Elka's infidelity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Judaism lends a great deal to the intricacy of the story. How would the story be different without the religious aspect? How does Judaism specifically enrich the text?

Essay Topic 2

Explore the theme of faith and mysticism versus free thought and doubt, and how they are relevant within the story. Be sure to use examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Isaac Bashevis Singer is a world-renowned author.

Part 1) Describe Singer's place in history as a writer.

Part 2) Explain why he was and still is pivotal to contemporary literature.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 680 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample