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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 nickname?

2. What happens mid-week at the bakery?

3. Who calls Gimpel by his nickname?

4. What is Elka's response to Gimpel's evidence that the child is not his?

5. What does a mid-week event allow Gimpel to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Gimpel come to understand at the end of the story, and why?

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

3. What does Gimpel do to right his wrongful plot of revenge?

4. How has Gimpel's career progressed over time?

5. When Gimpel first visits Elka at her house, what does Elka say to Gimpel and what does she demand before agreeing to marriage?

6. At the end of the story, what is Gimpel ready to do and how does he feel about it?

7. What happens nine months after Gimpel and Elka are separated?

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

9. How does Gimpel feel about the pranks that are pulled on him?

10. How is Elka abusive towards Gimpel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Gimpel the Fool" questions the definition of truth. Compare and contrast what is true to the townspeople and what is true to Gimpel. Which version is actually true? Support your answer with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

It is arguable that while Gimpel wonders if his entire town has gone mad, he himself may be the one who is insane. Argue for or against Gimpel's sanity, citing examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 658 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample