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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 languages are difficult for Kalman in reading David Malter's book?

2. What surprises Reuven's father?

3. What does Michael still refuse to do?

4. Against what does Kalman fight?

5. How many typographical errors does Reuven's father find in his new book?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Reuven and Gordon discuss when they meet in this chapter?

2. What happens when Reuven goes in to Michael's room to see him after the fire?

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

4. What does Reuven think about the reason for orthodox Jews to become so stubborn?

5. What does Kalman think about Reuven as his student?

6. What do Reuven and Professor Gordon discuss when Reuven visits him?

7. What does Danny give Michael and what does Michael say about it to Reuven?

8. What is Michael's recent disturbing behavior and what precipitated Michael's actions?

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

10. What do Danny, Rachel, Reuven and Eileen go to see and what is their response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Reuven asks his father about Kotzker, who it turns out is an eccentric rabbi who has shut himself up in a room for twenty years and has disagreements with many Hasidic sects.

Discuss the following:

1. Research the historical Kotzker Rebbe and write an informative essay on him and how the historical facts match up with what is said in The Promise.

2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a scholar isolating himself for twenty years.

3. Can you ever think of a reason you would isolate yourself for twenty years?

4. Relate the anecdote about Kotzker Rebbe to the theme of silence in the Promise. What other situations are related to the theme of silence? Who tries to silence other? Why?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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 Promise, 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 (They 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.

(see the answer keys)

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