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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. Why does the widow Zipporah seek Cullinane's help?

2. As the last chapter of the book opens in November 1964, John Cullinane is at the dig in Makor while Vered Bar-El is in _____.

3. Safed is a booming manufacturing city and major trading center by the time Rabbis Zaki and Eliezer and Dr. Abulafia arrive. These men help turn Safed into what else?

4. As John Cullinane looks at newspaper clippings with photos of Vered Bar-El, what does he realize?

5. Why does Rabbi Eliezer, a German Jew in Gretz, decide to leave Germany with his wife Leah and their family?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the trip Volkmar the Eighth takes with his young son.

2. Explain what the rabbis determine in "The Law" about what really bonds the Jewish people.

3. Summarize the state of Makor when Christianity prevails in the region around 313 C.E.

4. Why does a priest, Father Vilspronck, come to Tell Makor in the last chapter?

5. In "The Law," why does Menahem become Christian?

6. Describe Abd Umar and his background.

7. In the chapter "Rabbi Itzik and the Sabra," the reader meets Vered Bar-El in her youth. Describe who she is and what she does in this chapter.

8. In Germany in 1096, who is Gunter and why does he join the Crusades?

9. What happens when the Jews defend Safed in 1948?

10. Both Ilan Eliav and John Cullinane want to marry Dr. Vered Bar-El. Is either man successful in his personal quest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

James Michener makes abundant use of symbolism throughout his novel. Cite three specific instances in the book where symbolism plays a key role in the story. In each case, answer the following:

1. What symbol is referenced?

2. What does the symbol represent?

3. How does symbolism enhance the story?

4. How is a symbol used to make a stronger point?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout its history, Makor experiences moments of glory and times of near-destruction. Select one glorious era and one dark era from the history of this town. Compare and contrast these two eras. How does Makor advance during the boom time? What keeps it from the brink of destruction during its darker days?

Essay Topic 3

In each chapter, the author tells stories about different people living in different eras, but he always returns to the present and reveals what is happening at the dig in Makor. How does the present-day archaeological dig serve as a tool that ties the book's diverse stories together?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,067 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample