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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 language does the HIAS lady in Antwerp tutor Rifka in?

2. What does Rifka use to make a Star of David?

3. How does Rifka say goodbye to the milkman at her house?

4. What is something that Nathan used to do for Rifka that she enjoyed?

5. What excites Rifka about what her parents have in New York City?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who administers Rifka's treatments in Antwerp and what else does this person teach Rifka?

2. How does Rifka learn to find family connections even though she is alone in Antwerp?

3. Who does the kind milkman remind Rifka of and how does she show her appreciation for his kindness?

4. Who rescues Rifka when she gets lost while out exploring Antwerp?

5. What excites Rifka about news in a letter from her parents?

6. What are some of the foods that Rifka comes to enjoy in Antwerp?

7. What terrible fate does Pieter meet during a big storm while aboard ship?

8. Where does Rifka stay when she goes to Belgium?

9. What can Rifka see from her bedroom window in Antwerp?

10. What role does Rifka's Judaism play as a way of staying connected to her family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several events of foreshadowing in "Letters from Rifka". Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Leaving is a common theme in the story. Cite some examples of people leaving in Rifka's life and how she herself longs to leave her existence.

Essay Topic 3

The quest for America takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 673 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample