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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. The protagonist goes by the name of Yanek, which is classified as what type of name?

2. What type of structure becomes a home for Yanek and his family beginning in Chapter 5?

3. The narrative of the novel starts at the beginning of what month?

4. What sound causes Yanek's mother to nearly scream and give away the family's location in the pigeon coop?

5. Who is Oskar?

Short Essay Questions

1. What message about the fear of the unknown is depicted within the novel and in what scene does the theme appear?

2. Who hides within the pigeon coop on the roof of Yanek's apartment building?

3. How does Yanek contrast his own reaction to the closing of his school with the reactions of his peers?

4. In Chapter 8, Yanek and his father begin to leave the pigeon coop each day for what purpose?

5. In what way does Yanek discover that his Uncle Moshe is alive?

6. What terrible news does Uncle Moshe deliver to Yanek?

7. In what way does Gratz demonstrate the importance of religious beliefs and traditions within Yanek's family?

8. How is foreshadowing used within the opening passage of the novel?

9. How does Gratz employ foreshadowing in association with Mina's wedding ring?

10. In what year, month, and physical setting does the novel Prisoner B-3087 open?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Human versus Self is demonstrated within Gratz’s novel Prisoner B-3087. Create a decisive, arguable claim and prove it with quotes from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of Prisoner B-3087 and analyze Gratz’s purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 3

How do the themes of deception and secrecy function within Prisoner B-3087 and what is Gratz’s message regarding these themes?

(see the answer keys)

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