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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 does Sam do after Libor leaves?

2. With whom might Julian move in?

3. What does Sam make a great show of doing?

4. What does Libor tell Julian to cease doing?

5. Who is Merton Kugle?

Short Essay Questions

1. What debates does Julian think about as he walks to Regent's Park and what is Julian's thought about what Libor says?

2. Why does Julian decide to go to dinner at Libor's two nights later?

3. What do Julian and his sons discuss and what does Julian wonder about his sons?

4. With whom does Sam have a falling out and what disappoints him about the ASHamed Jews?

5. Who is Emmy Oppenstein and how does Libor reconnect with her?

6. Why does Julian tell Libor about the mugging, and what is Libor's response?

7. How do Sam and Libor say and think concerning Sam and Julian?

8. What agreement do Julian and Hephzibah make?

9. How does Libor fare with the bereavement counseling?

10. How does Sam react to his wife's dying and death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tyler is disappointed in Sam when he publicly announces his shame in the matter of Palestine on the show, and she disapproves of his decision to join the ASHamed Jews; however, Sam feels Tyler is wrong about him joining for acceptance; he feels the need for someone to speak the truth. Julian notices Tyler growing tired and subdued. He tells her he loves her, and she thanks him for making her feel wanted, though she knows he wants Sam more in the sense that he wants Sam's competence to rub off on him.

1. Discuss, in depth, why Tyler might have been disappointed with Sam's public statement. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

2. Discuss why you think Sam believes the way he does about the Palestinian situation and why you think he joined ASHamed. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

3. What do you think Tyler means by this thought: ulian notices Tyler growing tired and subdued. He tells her he loves her, and she thanks him for making her feel wanted, though she knows he wants Sam more in the sense that he wants Sam's competence to rub off on him. Use examples from your own life and the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Howard Jacobson.

2. What in Jacobson's background may have helped him in writing The Finkler Question? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Finkler Question. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Jacobson chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Jacobson chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Jacobson's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Jacobson use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

(see the answer keys)

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