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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. How many pounds does Sam lose at poker?

2. What debate started the scuffle outside the Oxford Union?

3. What does Julian ask Hephzibah one day while they are in bed?

4. Where does Sam find his son?

5. Where does Julian walk when he feels overwhelmed?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How do Julian and Hephzibah each blame him/herself for Libor's death?

4. Why does Julian go to the park?

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

6. What does Sam think is so beautiful about Kaddish?

7. What does Sam say about Immanuel's fight?

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

9. What does Libor do in Beachy Head?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Finkler Question is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Finkler Question, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Finkler Question. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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