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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. Who is the couple who has taken Rifka into their home in Belgium?

2. How does Rifka say goodbye to the milkman at her house?

3. The HIAS lady in Antwerp took Rifka to a cowboy movie starring whom?

4. What does Pieter do that embarrasses him in front of Rifka?

5. What had Pieter encouraged Rifka to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topic 3

There are several events of foreshadowing in "Letters from Rifka". Define foreshadowing. Cite at least two situations in the story that serve as foreshadowing.

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This section contains 713 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample