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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. Although he is furious, why doesn't Gimpel awaken Elka in a rage?

2. What does the Rabbi eventually allow Gimpel to do?

3. What falsehood do the townspeople tell Gimpel about Elka?

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

5. What is Gimpel's nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Elka abusive towards Gimpel?

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

3. What does Elka say about the child?

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

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

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

7. What does Gimpel ask of Elka when he first visits her at her house?

8. After righting his revenge plot, what does Gimpel do when he returns home?

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

10. Where does Gimpel go when he leaves Frampol, and who takes care of him?

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

Analyze and discuss the concept of forgiveness as it is used within the text. Who forgives, and why? What are the benefits of forgiveness? The drawbacks? Is forgiveness foolish? Or wise?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the theme of faith and mysticism versus free thought and doubt, and how they are relevant within the story. Be sure to use examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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