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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. Why had Uncle Avrum let Hannah take piano lessons?

2. What is Rifka wearing as she arrives in America?

3. What musical instrument is Tovah good at playing?

4. Which of the following is NOT a food Rifka discovers in Antwerp?

5. How old is Pieter?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Explain the irony of Rifka's beautiful blond hair distracting the guards so that her family can be safe, but how her own life is in jeopardy when she loses her hair from illness.

Essay Topic 2

"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 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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