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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. Rather than get angry himself, what does Gimpel do when presented with a prank?

2. How are Elka's premarital demands met?

3. Where does Gimpel want to go?

4. Why does Gimpel have to live with someone other than his parents?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Briefly describe how Gimpel first sees Elka, including Elka's living situation.

4. At the end of the story, what is Gimpel ready to do and how does he feel about it?

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

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

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

8. While on her deathbed, what does Elka ask of Gimpel and why?

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

10. After much consideration, what does the rabbi say to Gimpel regarding Elka's infidelity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain and explore Gimpel's role as an outcast. Is he or is he not? Choose a side and argue for or against.

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 and describe the appearance and roles of social class issues within the text. How do they affect the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 721 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample