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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. Reuven has a picture of what physicist on his wall in Chapter 5?

2. Reuven Malter is told that he will be released from the hospital when in Chapter 4?

3. From where does Reuven have glass removed in Chapter 2?

4. In Chapter 8, Reuven describes one of his recent trips to the library when he found an article in what publication?

5. What does Reuven tell Mr. Savo he wants to be when he grows up in Chapter 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Reuven become injured during the game in Chapter 1? How does the game end?

2. Where is Reuven taken for his injury in Chapter 2? How does Reuven feel?

3. How does Reuven feel like his life has changed when he returns home from the hospital in Chapter 5? Why?

4. How is Danny Saunders described in Chapter 1? What is Danny’s apparel like? Where does he live?

5. What is significant about Danny’s and Reuven’s aspirations within their synagogues in Chapter 3?

6. What two things does David Malter say the Talmud says a person should do for himself in Chapter 4?

7. How is Reuven’s relationship with his father illustrated in Chapter 3?

8. Why does Reb Saunders call Reuven’s father in Chapter 2? How does Reuven respond?

9. What does Reuven discover about Billy Merritt in Chapter 9?

10. How does Reuven respond to the information he learns about Billy in Chapter 9? What symbolic imagery is described at the end of this chapter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the ambitions of Reuven and Danny in Chapter 3. How do these ambitions foreshadow conflict in the novel? Why is it surprising that Danny is interested in psychology?

Essay Topic 2

Reuven’s entrance into the Hasidic world by visiting Reb Saunders’ Shul. What are Reuven’s impressions of the congregation? How does he feel about the rituals enacted at the service?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of identity in the novel. How is identity developed thematically in Reuven and Danny? How does it apply to the character of Reb Saunders? What symbolism reflects this theme in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

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