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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 does the novel gloss the term “chamalyah”?

2. At what time does Malachi call on Moshe?

3. From which of the following does Malachi write Moshe?

4. To which of the following is Chona compared?

5. How does the novel gloss the term “slivovitz”?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Malachi respond to the assertion that a mezuzah belongs on a door?

2. What story about his family does Moshe tell to keep his audience amused as they await a show?

3. Why does Moshe note not liking challah?

4. How does Nate dispose of Malachi’s challah?

5. Why did Moshe have trouble advertising his first major show?

6. To what does Chona ascribe her and Moshe’s commercial success?

7. Why does Paper not work as a maid?

8. Why does the local Black community esteem Chona?

9. In the novel, what is the story of Moses and the burning coals?

10. What rumor surrounds Norman Skrupskelis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much is made in the novel of the difference between the rural and the urban. Does the novel privilege one over the other? If so, how and to what effect? If not, how not and to what effect?

Essay Topic 2

The narrative pattern of the novel is marked by asides. What effect do those asides have on the novel, and how is that effect achieved?

Essay Topic 3

McBride depicts Doc Roberts falling into line with a local hate group. What lesson might be taken away from the depiction? What in the text supports that lesson, and how does it do so?

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