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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 does Rifka save her money to buy?

2. What is remarkable about Rifka's appearance as as result of her illness?

3. What is the only reason Rifka goes outside in Belgium?

4. What does Papa give to Rifka before he leaves for America?

5. Who is the girl who Rifka plays with in the park across the street from the house?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Rifka feel after the storm in which Pieter died?

4. What are the passengers on board the ship fascinated by as they enter the New York harbor?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Religion takes on an almost human persona in this book. What role does religion play in the lives of the characters? What disagreements occurred over religion? What decisions were made in the name of religion? Are there instances where unkind events happen in the name of religion? What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 3

"Letters from Rifka" is a classic example of historical fiction. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

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