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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. When the Oberfuhrer arrives, what does the Major find offensive about the SS soldier's medals?

2. What animal does Gretel and Hansel get to see with Telek in their fist venture out into the forest?

3. What was the third book Gretel's father was able to save when they were forced from their home?

4. What is Basha and her husband's secret?

5. Who are the Rom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did the old Mayor's office function as in the village?

2. What did the priest give to the children to memorize so they would fit in?

3. What did Germans do to people they arrested?

4. How is the absence of the children's' parents explained to the Major?

5. What does Kulturtrager mean?

6. What did Magda plan to say that would cover Hansel's circumcision?

7. What are the Rom?

8. What happened to Magda's grandmother?

9. What did the Russian partisans call the Stepmother?

10. What does Hansel plan to do instead of farming?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, Magda repeats the phrase, "The wheel turns." Explain what she means by this and provide support for your explanation.

Essay Topic 2

Magda is holding Hansel after the ordeal with Gretel's illness. She tells him, "You will never be rich, my child, you will be moving too fast to be burdened with all those things that the outsider,the gadju, want" (113). Explain and discuss what she means by this statement.

Essay Topic 3

Hansel makes a friend, Halina, when he ventures into the village alone. When Heliina's aunt learns who he is, she forbids them from playing with each other. Would you do the same, if in the same position? Would barring them from playing keep either of them any safer? Explain why you believe she does this and support your reasons.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 457 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample