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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. In which summer activity do Asher's parents never engage?

2. In Chapter 2, Rivkeh tells Asher about the ancient, tragic event of the burning of what city's library?

3. Of all the drawings Asher makes for the mashpia, which person does he not draw?

4. What is the place where Aryeh goes regularly to have a ritual bath?

5. Yudel Krinsky spent many years in which geographical region?

Short Essay Questions

1. Yudel Krinsky mentions several differences between Russia and the United States. What is one difference?

2. At the beginning of Chapter 4, Asher draws Stalin many times. How do Aryeh and Rivkeh react to Asher's renewed interest in drawing?

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

4. 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?

5. In Chapter 6, Rivkeh takes Asher to the Parkway Museum (also called the Brooklyn Museum). Describe their experience there.

6. Describe Asher's mythic ancestor.

7. 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?

8. When Asher first meets Jacob Kahn, what advice does Jacob give him concerning becoming an artist?

9. Why doesn't Asher want to go to Vienna?

10. How does Rivkeh react to the drawings Asher creates as a toddler?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book does not directly address Asher's love life, but it does offer hints, such as Asher's mention of "greetings" with a girl in Paris. In the Ladover community, marriages are arranged through families, although the bride and groom may also offer their consent. Describe Rivkeh's talking to Asher about the possibility of finding a wife. How does Asher handle this discussion? How do you think Asher would unite his duties to art with his duties to a potential wife and children? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Anna Schaeffer's role in Asher's life. How do you feel about the way her employees arrive at Asher's apartment, carry away his paintings, and don't let him see them again until the show?

Essay Topic 3

How does religion affect the daily lives of the Lev family? Provide some examples of the way they think about God throughout the day, remembering to include a discussion of their activities, their conversation, and their world views.

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