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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. According to David Malter, how do scribal errors influence his interpretation of texts?

2. What does Kalman say Reuven has to do before Kalman will offer his scholarly approval of Reuven?

3. What does Reuven feel towards Kalman?

4. Against what does Kalman fight?

5. What does Reuven tell Danny when he returns to Danny?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kalman say to Reuven about his smicha exam?

2. About what is Reuven's father happy?

3. Describe Abe Greenfield and his problem at opening of Chapter 8.

4. What explanation does Kalman offer for his attack on Greenfield the day before in class?

5. What does Danny think about isolation and what does Danny want Reuven to do?

6. What does Michael do when Reuven says he is going inside because he is cold?

7. What does Reuven tell his father about his meetings with Rav Kalman and what is David Malter's response?

8. Describe the altercation between Kalman and Greenfield.

9. What is the difference in scholarly approaches between Kalman and Reuven's father.

10. What does Reuven argue at his smicha exam and why is that upsetting to Kalman and Gershenson?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss The Promise based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if The Promise is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that The Promise deals with a very specific, narrow subject matter changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Promise.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Promise. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Promiise. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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