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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. The rabbis of Makor believe that even if the Jewish people have no nation, they will always be bound by what?

2. When Eliav reveals that Oxford has offered him a prestigious teaching position, he says that _____.

3. After Cullinane tells Eliav that he plans to marry Vered Bar-El, what does Eliav say?

4. In "Twilight of an Empire," who is the ruler of Tiberias, a city that is called Tubariyeh in 1880?

5. When Menahem wants to marry Jael, daughter of Rabbi Asher, what does the rabbi do?

Short Essay Questions

1. In 1948, what does Isidore Gottesmann plan to do after the British leave Palestine?

2. Why does the shoemaker Rabbi Zaki feel that he, his wife, and their family must leave their city of Podi, Italy?

3. In the chapter "The Tell," what does Cullinane realize about Bar-El as he looks at pictures of her from newspaper clippings?

4. Who is Muzaffar, and how is he associated with Count Volkmar the Eighth?

5. What happens in Podi, Italy after Rabbi Zaki and his family leave by ship in 1541?

6. Describe Abd Umar and his background.

7. Where are Vered Bar-El and John Cullinane as the chapter "The Tell" opens?

8. Who is Shmuel Hacohen, and what does he want from Tabari?

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

10. How does Volkmar, the Count of Gretz, end up as governor of Makor?

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

Analyze the following from the period around 1419 B.C.E.:

1. The desire to coexist in Makor between Zadok and his fellow Hebrews and Uriel and his Canaanite townspeople.

2. The conflicts that arise between the Hebrews and the Canaanites.

3. The epic battle that ensues between these two groups and its outcome.

Essay Topic 3

In many of the situations Michener creates, he employs irony. Find two instances where irony appears in The Source. In each case, explain what makes the situation ironic. State how irony adds greater depth to the situation.

(see the answer keys)

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