View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is wrong with Elka when she becomes ill?

2. What does Gimpel do after Elka's death?

3. As Gimpel ages, what does he say he comes to understand?

4. What does Gimpel carry with him in his beggar's sack?

5. If Gimpel follows through with his plan of vengeance, what does he fear he'll lose?

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

The story of "Gimpel the Fool" is largely effective due to its use of first person narrative. Define first person narrative and discuss why it works particularly well with this story. Also, consider the use of first person narrative in Gimpel the Fool and how would the story be different if :

Part A) The first person narrative was not Gimpel's voice.

Part B) The story was written in the third person.

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 264 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample