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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where in America is Maryna living at the start of her letter?
(a) Atlantic City, New Jersey.
(b) Albany, New York.
(c) Manhattan, New York.
(d) Hoboken, New Jersey.

2. When do Ryszard and Julian leave for America?
(a) Mid October.
(b) Late January.
(c) Early September.
(d) Late June.

3. What is the name of the ship the immigrants eventually take to Panama?
(a) The Atlantic.
(b) The Colona.
(c) The Germania.
(d) The Crescent City.

4. Why does Maryna declare "you have waited so long."
(a) The performance ran late.
(b) She is beginning to recite a poem.
(c) Dinner was served after 11 pm.
(d) She has been gone for a long time.

5. When she is a child, what is one thing Maryna wants to grow up to be?
(a) A soldier.
(b) A chef.
(c) A pilot.
(d) A doctor.

Short Answer Questions

1. What book has Henryk given to Maryna as a farewell gift?

2. What does Ryzsard hope to accomplish aboard the ocean liner?

3. What Shakespearean play is Maryna reciting at dinner?

4. What was the name of one of the articles Ryszard sent to the Gazetta Polska?

5. What is the first word of Spanish Maryna learns?

Short Essay Questions

1. While he is in the steerage section of the ship, Ryszard is brought by a deckhand to meet a bedraggled man. This man offers his niece, Nora, to Ryszard. What kinds of emotions does Ryszard have while below the ship in steerage? How does this experience change him?

2. On his passage to America, Ryszard spends time listening to English speaking passengers. He meets many Americans. How does he describe the American attitude about their country? How does this differ from the way Ryszard sees himself as a Pole?

3. As the story opens, the narrator describes the room in which people are conversing and drinking. Who are these people? How does the narrator know them?

4. While Maryna and her husband are busy selling their house and preparing to leave for America, a member of Maryna's family dies. Who is this person, and why is the death so upsetting for Maryna? Who else is present at the death? Where does Maryna go after the death?

5. Maryna prepares for her departure from the stage. What engagements does she cancel, and what do the critics say about this? Why has she chosen Zakopane, and who has she asked to accompany her there?

6. In Chapter One, what scene does Maryna give Krystyna to act out? Why?

7. Henryk's farewell gift to Maryna when she leaves for America is a book. What is the title of the book, and what is Maryna's response to the book?

8. Who does Maryna see in Bremen? What is the purpose of their meeting? How does Maryna feel at the end of the meeting?

9. In Chapter Four, Maryna explains that in some places, the oldest is best. However, in America she says "biggest is best." What does she mean by this? What does she see that supports her observation? Is she displeased by this?

10. While finishing his article on the transatlantic journey, Ryszard goes to Caste Clinton to see how the steerage passengers are experiencing their introduction to their new home. What does he see there? Why is this important?

(see the answer keys)

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