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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 Rifka wearing as she arrives in America?

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

3. What musical instrument is Tovah good at playing?

4. Who takes Rifka back home when she gets lost in Antwerp?

5. What does Rifka save her money to buy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What does Rifka's brief friendship with Pieter mean, and how is she able to move on past his death?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Despite the extremely trying times of people living in the post World War I immigration era, there are some who are very generous and supportive of each other. Cite at least three examples that show this strength of character and generosity.

Essay Topic 3

Explain how Rifka's book of Pushkin poetry serves as a powerful metaphor in the story. Be sure to include the perspective on the book both before and after Rifka's arrival in America.

(see the answer keys)

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