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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 the true relation of the person who lives with Elka?

2. What advice is given to Gimpel regarding Elka's explanation about the child?

3. How does Gimpel begin to forget his sorrow?

4. The morning after talking with the Rabbi, where does Gimpel go?

5. As a joke, what do the townspeople tell Gimpel has happened to his parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Gimpel returns from checking on the goat?

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

3. Describe Gimpel and Elka's home life.

4. Where are Gimpel and Elka married, and why?

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

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

7. How far does Gimpel go towards revenge?

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

9. What happens four months after the wedding and how does Gimpel react?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gimpel displays a great deal of compassion throughout the story while evoking the same emotions from the reader. Explore and discuss Singer's use of compassion to relay the story. How does the first person narrative aid in this?

Essay Topic 2

"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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 743 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample