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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 musical instrument is Tovah good at playing?

2. What is the line between being in America, and not being in America?

3. How old is Rifka on the birthday she spends in Belgium?

4. Why does Sister Katrina urge Rifka to get out of her room sometimes?

5. What does Rifka think America is?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Who is the young sailor Rifka meets on board the ship?

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

10. How does Rifka prepare herself for going to America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Even though she is not a true character in the book, what role does Tovah play in the story? Cite examples to support your answer.

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