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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. Which daughter of Brodman's had been hospitalized because of mental health problems?

2. What happens at the rabbi's house that Noa would never have expected?

3. In the story "Switzerland," how long has it been since the narrator has seen Soraya?

4. Where did Brodman work for most of his career?

5. What does Noa's neighbor, Mr. Frankel, bury in his yard?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the story "Zusya on the Roof," what physical problems has Brodman just started to overcome?

2. Why does Brodman take his infant grandson to the roof at the end of the story?

3. What is one major aspect of Leonard's and Monica's divorce that bothers Noa in the story "End Days?"

4. What is one major thing that surprises the narrator in the story "I Am Asleep but My Heart is Awake" after her father's death?

5. What understanding passes between the bride and Noa about parents during their brief meeting?

6. Who, shockingly, reminds the narrator of "Switzerland" of Soraya decades after they have lived together, and how does this person remind her of Soraya?

7. What does the narrator initially think of Boaz when he shows up unexpectedly at her father's apartment?

8. Why is the narrator of "Switzerland" so transfixed by Soraya?

9. What task does Noa have to perform to help her parents' divorce become finalized?

10. What does the narrator do for a living in the story "I Am Asleep but My Heart is Awake" and how does she feel about her work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the story "Switzerland," what connections or parallels does Krauss draw between very young women's burgeoning sexuality, power, and vulnerability? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

In the story "End Days," what do you think is the significance of the extended interaction between Noa and the bride at the bride's house? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

In several stories in the collection, Krauss introduces newborn infants into characters' lives and family situations. Write an essay analyzing Krauss's use of infants and newborns as plot devices and/or foils, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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