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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 is going on with Michael during this time?

2. What does Michael still refuse to do?

3. Who does Kalman believe has the authority to interpret ancient Hebrew texts?

4. What does Rav Kalman ask Reuven?

5. With whom does Reb Saunders think Danny is involved?

Short Essay Questions

1. What small breakthrough happens with Michael, and what does his mother want?

2. What does Michael say about Rav Kalman's article?

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

4. What is the essential argument of the second part of Rav Kalman's article attacking David Malter's book?

5. What does Reb Saunders tell Reuven and what does Reuven do?

6. How is David Malter's recent book release still affecting the community?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Reuven Malter and Daniel Saunders. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Is either man's cause more worthy than the other? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of David Malter and Rav Kalman. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

In The Promise, the most visible and important characters are male. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think novels more often have a male hero than a female one?

2. Do you believe Rachael is as capable (or more so) than Reuven or Daniel? Would the novel be as interesting to you if she were the one that was in a difficult position with Rav Kalman? Why or why not.

3. Do you think females (in the real world) are just as likely and capable as males to be heroes? Why or why not?

4. Would you rather read a book with a male or female hero or do you have a preference? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 4, the narrator says that Danny is raised by his father with a barrier of silence - they only spoke when they studied Talmud. This was to teach Danny suffering. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Rebbe Saunders' method of raising Danny helped him to learn about suffering?

2. What else do you think it may have taught Danny?

3. Why do you think Rebbe Saunders thinks Danny needs to learn suffering?

4. Do you think Danny's mother had any say in the way Danny is raised in silence?

(see the answer keys)

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