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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. On what date are Reuven and his father overjoyed to learn that the establishment of a Jewish state is going to happen in Chapter 14?

2. Danny Saunders claims to have learned how do live with what in Chapter 16?

3. Reuven begins what year of his college studies at the end of Chapter 15?

4. What name refers to the genocide of millions of European Jews during World War II?

5. Where do Reuven and his family go to stay at a cottage in Chapter 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Danny decided to study in Chapter 16? Why is this significant?

2. How is the relationship between Danny and Reuven illustrated in Chapter 15?

3. What is the significance of Danny’s discussion of silence in Chapter 17?

4. How does the synagogue respond when Reb Saunders announces Danny’s plans for his education in Chapter 18?

5. What does Reuven’s father realize about Reb Saunders’ silence with Danny in Chapter 17?

6. How is the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt described in Chapter 11?

7. How does the new school year begin for Reuven and Danny in Chapter 11?

8. What viewpoints does Chapter 12 present regarding the creation of Israel?

9. How does the death of a Hirsch College graduate affect Reuven and his fellow classmates in Chapter 15?

10. How are the religious studies and lifestyles of Reuven and Danny juxtaposed in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Reuven’s conversation with Reb Saunders in Chapter 8. How does Reuven feel when confronted about Danny’s actions? Does he feel as if he is betraying his friend? How does Danny feel that his father did not speak to him directly?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the symbolism of vision and the eyes in the novel. How does Reuven react to losing his vision even temporarily? How is vision used as a metaphor throughout the book? How does this symbolism apply to Danny’s character?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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