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. Where is David Malter offered a position?

2. What is Reuven's opinion about the proposed treatment for Michael?

3. What does Ruth Gordon want?

4. What do the teachers at Professor Gordon's school think about David Malter's book?

5. With whom does Rav Kalman have an intense argument?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kalman picks on Reuven by having him read Gemora aloud and critiques his interpretations. Reuven reads Kalman's book on ethics. Discuss the following:

1. What is ethics? How do you think the topic figures in during the telling of The Promise?

2. Why do you think Kalman is picking on Reuven in class?

3. Do you think it is ironic that Kalman wrote a book on ethics and yet he obviously picks on a student just because Kalman sees him with someone with whom Kalman disagrees?

4. Discuss the major characters (Kalman, Reuven, Danny, Professor Gordon, Michael Gordon and David Malter) and tell why you think each is ethical or not, giving one example for each to illustrate your point.

Essay Topic 3

Michael hates orthodox Jews because he thinks they try to keep people from speaking the truth as the person sees it. Discuss one of the following:

1. Discuss and analyze the theme of truth in The Promise. Is there one truth? Many truths? Does any character have "the truth"?

2. Many wars have been fought over the concept of "the truth." Discuss one war that was waged over a difference in the perception of truth and what the core issue(s) was. Relate your research back to The Promise.

3. Thoroughly discucss one thing you think is absolutely true and then relate your beliefs in that truth to one character's beliefs about the truth in The Promise.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,170 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample