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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. What do the Eastons name their house in Chapter 27?

2. Where does Aaron go after leaving the record room in Chapter 21?

3. In Chapter 25, what date does Helen find for Manuel HaLevy's death?

4. What disease does Helen have?

5. On June 28, 1665, why did Mendes write to Rabbi da Fonseca?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 21, what did Aaron discover about Ester?

2. Why does Aaron rip a manuscript in Chapter 17?

3. In Chapter 20, what did Ester enjoy seeing at Barn Elms?

4. What did Alvaro discuss in a poem he wrote as Ester was dying?

5. In Chapter 23, what does Marisa tell Aaron?

6. How do Patricia Starling-Haight and Patricia Smith help Helen in Chapter 25?

7. When and how does Aaron learn the date and manner of Ester's death?

8. In Chapter 18, what advice did Ester try to give Mary?

9. In Chapter 26 how did Ester and Rivka escape from the da Costa Mendes house?

10. What was Ester's last request in Chapter 28?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the story line? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

Ester meets John Tilman when she is acting as Mary’s chaperone. What type of relationship do Ester and John have? Why does their relationship end?

Essay Topic 3

Point of view determines how readers view characters and events. What is the point of view of the novel and how does it affect what readers know about characters and events?

(see the answer keys)

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