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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. Yudel Krinsky shows Asher how to use a fixative to keep what artistic medium from rubbing off the paper?

2. When Rivkeh is worried for Aryeh's safety, to which relative does she cry out?

3. Asher sees strong similarities between the face of the mashpia and the face of which other character?

4. Where does Asher's aunt Leah live?

5. In Chapter 2, Aryeh is greatly disturbed at the brutal deaths of which group of people?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 6 as Rivkeh and Asher adjust to life on their own, Rivkeh begins to talk about her grief over Yaakov's death. Which people in her life died prematurely, and how did she feel when that happened?

2. At the end of Chapter 3, Asher draws a picture of Stalin in his notebook without realizing it. What do you think is happening in Asher's mind when he draws things without being aware of it?

3. Compare Aryeh's reaction to Stalin's death with Yudel Krinsky's reaction.

4. Whenever Aryeh leaves for a trip, Rivkeh says, "Have a safe journey, Aryeh." In Chapter 5, Asher begins to develop a sensitivity to Rivkeh's underlying emotions. Describe what Rivkeh is feeling when she says goodbye to Aryeh.

5. When Aryeh returns to Brooklyn for the Pesach, how does he treat Asher?

6. Several times in Chapter 4, Aryeh explains his reasons for wanting to go to Europe to work for the Rebbe. Explain some of those reasons.

7. What does the mashpia do at Asher's school?

8. When talking with Asher about Vienna, what does Yudel Krinsky imply when he quotes, "honor your father and mother"?

9. The mashpia talks with Asher about his behavior in school, such as his drawing the Rebbe in the Chumash. Then, he leaves Asher in the office with a notebook. What happens next?

10. What happened to Yudel Krinsky in Russia? Describe some of his life before coming to the United States.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Do you think that Asher's decision to become an artist is something he could have escaped, if he had wished? Do you think that his decision causes him to lead a more fulfilled or a less fulfilled life?

Essay Topic 2

Asher's street becomes a major subject for his art and a major symbol of security for him. If Asher had been forced to move to Europe with his parents, how do you think that move would have affected his art?

Essay Topic 3

In this novel, each major character strives to live out his or her purpose in life, especially as it relates to the Jewish community. Which character do you think accomplishes this the most effectively? Which character accomplishes this the least effectively?

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