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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. After seeing the suspicious wedding gift, what is Gimpel's resolution?

2. Who follows Gimpel to Elka's house?

3. What is said about Elka at the wedding ceremony?

4. Even though Gimpel wanted to sleep at home, where does he stay instead?

5. What does Elka give birth to?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is Elka abusive towards Gimpel?

3. When Gimpel goes home after months of separation, what does he see?

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

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

6. At the end of the story, who does Gimpel dream of, and how does he feel about it?

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

8. Who is Gimpel the Fool?

9. Describe Gimpel and Elka's home life.

10. At the end of the story, what mementos does Gimpel awaken with after dreaming?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Singer uses foreshadowing in the very beginning when Gimpel states that he does not consider himself a fool. Discuss foreshadowing as a literary tool and Singer's use of it within 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.

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