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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 past experience of Rabbi Kalman's does Reuven mention?

2. What do Michael and Reuven talk about as far as the clouds go?

3. What does Professor Gordon look over at the Zechariah Frankel library?

4. Who does Reuven call the day after he and Michael go sailing?

5. Who asks Reuven to talk with Michael?

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Michael get a nosebleed at the fair, and what do Reuven and Rachel do?

2. What does Reuven reveal in a flashback?

3. Describe the game which Michael is playing and which is making Reuven and Rachel nervous for him.

4. What do Reuven and Professor Gordon discuss about Michael?

5. What are the narrator's plans for his schooling and what were the influences on his choice?

6. What happens between October and December for Reuven?

7. What rumors infuriate Reuven and his father?

8. How does Danny become involved with the Gordon family?

9. Describe Reuven's visit with Danny.

10. Describe Rav Kalman.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of The Promise concerns theology. Many of the major characters are either Rabbis or studying to become a Rabbi. Michael, who is still a boy, makes perhasp some of the most interesting statements about god. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think Michael means when he says "God is smoke"?

2. Michael says he cannot get God out of his mind--discuss that statement in light of Michael's personality.

3. Are Michael's problems mostly spiritual; mostly psychological, or a combination of the two? Discuss thoroughly with examples.

Essay Topic 2

Michael's character and his problems are intertwined with many of the other major characters. In chapter one, Michael's emotional problems are evident already. Discuss the following:

1. What foreshadowing takes place in chapter one about Michael, and where and how does the foreshadowing resolve itself?

2. Discuss which characters Michael in some way mirrors? How and why does he serve as a mirror? Give specific examples.

3. Define the concept of "foil" in a literary sense. Discuss which characters to whom Michael is a foil. How and why does he serve as a foil? Give specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book is 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 Promise is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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