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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. Gimpel is what?

2. What is Gimpel's profession?

3. Where does Gimpel want to go?

4. If Elka's premarital request isn't met, what does she say can happen?

5. What do Gimpel and Elka have in common?

Short Essay Questions

1. After months of separation from his family, why doesn't Gimpel want a scandal?

2. How is Elka abusive towards Gimpel?

3. How far does Gimpel go towards revenge?

4. Describe a few pranks played on Gimpel.

5. After the first childbirth, how does Gimpel feel about Elka and what does he do for her?

6. After months of separation, what is the first thing Elka asks Gimpel to do when she sees him, and why?

7. After the birth, who does Gimpel go to for advice and what is said?

8. What is Gimpel's living situation as a child?

9. What does Gimpel say about his situation and what others would do if they were he?

10. Describe the messenger that Gimpel uses to send his family supplies during his separation from his family.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

"Gimpel the Fool" is often said to be a narrative of Jewish persecution throughout history. Explain this, and argue either for or against this opinion.

Essay Topic 3

The story of "Gimpel the Fool" is largely effective due to its use of first person narrative. Define first person narrative and discuss why it works particularly well with this story. Also, consider the use of first person narrative in Gimpel the Fool and how would the story be different if :

Part A) The first person narrative was not Gimpel's voice.

Part B) The story was written in the third person.

(see the answer keys)

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