View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Why is Abe Greenfield unprepared for class?

3. What does Reuven feel towards Kalman?

4. How do David Malter and Rav Kalman differ academically?

5. What does Kalman say to Reuven in class?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Danny's father want to learn and what is his reaction when Reuven tells him?

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

7. What is the impact of David Malter's book and Kalman's ensuing article on the Yeshiva where David teaches?

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

9. What does Danny tell Reuven and what is Reuven's reaction?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Define irony in literary terms. Discuss the irony of the situation whereby Professor Gordon is at a conservative seminary and David Malter is at a liberal seminary . Find two other incidences of irony in The Promise and discuss them.

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use of and meaning of five symbols found in The Promise.

3. Discuss the use of foreshadowing in literature. What is the purpose of foreshadowing? Cite 3 examples of foreshadowing and how it is used to indicate events to come in The Promise.

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)

This section contains 1,024 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample