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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 Hephzibah believe about Libor?

2. For what is Julian to blame?

3. What does Julian feel he cannot handle?

4. How many times does Hephzibah sigh when Julian asks her about Sam?

5. Why won't Libor do anything for Emmy's grandson?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Julian realize when he returns to the apartment he shares with Hephzibah and what does he decide?

2. Who is Meyer Abramsky and what did he do?

3. What is the worse time for Malkie as she was dying and how is Libor feeling similarly?

4. What does Sam doing after losing a lot of money in online poker and who does he encounter?

5. Why is Hephzibah concerned about the opening to the museum?

6. How is Hephzibah grieving?

7. How does Julian cause Libor to cry?

8. What does Emmy say about Libor's attitude towards his fellow Jews?

9. How does Hephzibah respond when Sam asks her about a special bond between Jews?

10. Where does Libor invite Emmy and what concerns him about doing so?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think The Finkler Question is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Finkler Question. Questions that Jacobson most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Jacobson' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Jacobson' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Jacobson and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of prejudice in The Finkler Question. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of grief in The Finkler Question. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in The Finkler Question. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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