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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 is a word that the lady from HIAS has taught Rifka?

2. When does Rifka finally reach America?

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

4. What advantage does Rifka like about being on her own in Antwerp?

5. Mama had had to take the gift in #67 and trade it for __________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What sailing arrangements are made for Rifka to go to America when she is cured?

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

3. What do Mama and Papa give to Rifka before they leave for the United States and she goes to Belgium?

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

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

6. How is Rifka's thirteenth birthday celebrated and what does she recall about a doll she received for her ninth birthday?

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

8. What does Rifka save up for to have specially made for herself?

9. What does this section of the book show about Rifka's burgeoning maturity?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Letters from Rifka" is a classic coming-of-age story. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

Essay Topic 2

Karen Hesse is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony, and briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

Essay Topic 3

Write a character sketch of Saul. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 653 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample