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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. What name refers to a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah, which are worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers?

2. Reuven has war maps from what periodical all over his walls in Chapter 5?

3. Danny Saunders explains to Reuven in Chapter 8 that he wants to read Freud but first must learn what in order to read his original writings?

4. Reuven is preparing for what school vacation in Chapter 9?

5. What refers to a front-buttoned coat or overdress, usually reaching to the ankles, with long sleeves, worn by Hasidic Jews?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Reuven respond to the apology offered him in Chapter 2? What does this indicate?

3. What historical figure does David Malter compare Danny Saunders to in Chapter 6? How is this individual’s influence on Judaism described?

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

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

6. What is the implication when Reuven’s eyes are tested in the light in Chapter 2?

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

8. What changes Reb Saunders’ views of Reuven in Chapter 7? How is this indicated?

9. What is foreshadowed by David Malter’s comments about friendship in Chapter 4?

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

Discuss the setting of The Chosen and the importance of that setting to the narrative and its themes. Could The Chosen be “modernized,” or would this affect the story itself? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Reuven Malter as the protagonist of The Chosen. How old is Reuven when he is introduced in Chapter 1? How do you relate to Reuven’s life, family, and friends? What characteristics stand out about the character in his introduction?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the characters of Mr. Savo, Billy Merritt and Mr. Galanter. What are Reuven’s impressions of each of these individuals? How do they each influence Reuven as a character? What do they each represent symbolically in the narrative?

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