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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. When the Rabbi hears what Gimpel has said about Elka's infidelity, what does he say?

2. Who beats up on Gimpel?

3. While Elka is in labor, what does she scream to Gimpel?

4. When Gimpel asks Elka about all the negative things he has heard about her and asks that she not be deceitful, what does Elka say?

5. Where does Gimpel sleep during the week?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the second person he dreams of say to Gimpel?

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

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

4. Paraphrase the advice given to Gimpel by the rabbi.

5. What does Gimpel feel and do for the baby?

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

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

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

9. Why doesn't Gimpel get angry in Chapter 2 when he returns home early from the bakery? What does Gimpel do instead?

10. What expression is Elka wearing when she dies, and what does Gimpel think this means?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gimpel states that he is called a fool because he is easily deceived. Explore the theme of deception throughout the text, questioning who is being deceived.

Essay Topic 2

"Gimpel the Fool" can be classified under several genres. Pick three, and, with supporting evidence from the text, discuss how the story could be classified under each genre.

Essay Topic 3

Define the word "martyr" and discuss why or why not Gimpel fits this description.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 746 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample