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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 interrupts Sam's plans to play online poker?

2. Who does Sam encounter as he prowls the streets?

3. How is Hephzibah feeling as she walks to the museum a week after the play?

4. Where does Sam go after he stops at his son's place?

5. What did Julian do when the beautiful girl asked him to paint her face?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why do Hephzibah and Sam decide to say Kaddish for Libor, and why doesn't Julian do so as well?

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

4. Why does Julian go to the park?

5. Where does Sam say Kaddish?

6. What has happened to Immanuel?

7. Why does Libor and a woman walking her dog intervene with some children?

8. Why is Hephzibah feeling paranoid?

9. What worries Hephzibah about Julian?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Julian and Sam. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Julian and Libor. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Finkler Question help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as The Finkler Question help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Finkler Question? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Finkler Question to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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