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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. Where did Philip Roth grow up?

2. Bolotka tells Zuckerman there are only microphones at Klenek's, not what?

3. Where does Bolotka tell Zuckerman Olga's lover is now?

4. Bolotka says if the authorities question him about Zuckerman, he will say Zuckerman visits to sleep with who?

5. What does Sisovsky admire very much about Zuckerman?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Mr. Vodicka an the gay boy at Klenek's represent symbolically?

2. What took place that led to Sisovsky's father being shot? Who murdered him?

3. Discuss the theme of Jewish identity in Philip Roth's writing. What are his influences? What other works address the subject?

4. What does Bolotka tell Zuckerman about Olga when they first meet? Who approaches Olga to reveal herself at the party?

5. Discuss the theme of voyeurism and spying in the narrative. How is this shown at Klenek's?

6. How does Sisovsky describe his father? What does Sisovsky conclude his father belonged to?

7. How does Zuckerman's view of his Jewish identity evolve from the dinner with Sisovsky through the narrative?

8. What duality and conflict does Sisovsky face in America? What does Eva?

9. Why does Sisovsky tell Zuckerman Eva cannot return to Prague? How did they leave?

10. Where does the narrative open? What year is it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the character of Eva Kalinova, her history of anti-Semitic discrimination in Prague, and the role of the Minister of Culture and Vice-Minister of Culture in Prague. Why was the Vice-Minister fired?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the history of Judaism and the impact that World War II had on Jews in Europe. When did Zuckerman's family come to America? When did Sisovsky?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Sisovsky's father's story as described to Zuckerman in pages 18-23. What power did the Gestapo have? How common was it for Gestapo officers to protect Jews?

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This section contains 890 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample