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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 Chapter 2, when Asher begins to go to Yudel Krinsky's store for conversation, he feels that he has to buy something every time. What does he buy first?

2. Yudel Krinsky describes Siberia as the home of which being?

3. In Chapter 6, Asher remembers a conversation between himself as a toddler and Aryeh regarding which publication?

4. Aryeh plans to open which type of school in various places throughout Europe?

5. What is the prayer Asher recites before going to bed?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens to the Russian writers? How do the Levs react?

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

5. Why does Asher ask Yudel Krinsky questions about Russia?

6. 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.

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

8. Out of a deep longing to learn to use oil paints, Asher steals several tubes of oil paint and several brushes from Yudel Krinsky's store. What does he do with them? Why do you think he does this?

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

10. What does Asher know about his paternal grandfather?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Jacob Kahn feels that it is necessary for Asher to learn to paint nudes. What do you think Asher's artistic education would have lost without learning to paint nudes? What value is there in that activity? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Aryeh's and Rivkeh's reactions to the Brooklyn Crucifixions. How are their reactions related to their feelings about the Jewish faith, Jewish history, and their community?

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