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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 is the last gift Yenta gives Lemel?

2. Why does Shlemiel cry when his wife finds out he ate the Hanukkah treat?

3. Where does Lemel put his second gift from Shlemel?

4. What does Yenta's signature look like?

5. What night of Hanukkah does this story start out on?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the story "The Devil's Trick" begin?

2. What surprising questions does an Elder ask after Lemel and Yenta have a baby?

3. What does Mrs. Shlemiel sell in the marketplace, and why?

4. What lie does Mrs. Shlemiel tell her husband, and how does she justify herself?

5. Why do Shmelka's daughters refuse to get out of bed one day?

6. What is the last gift that Yenta gives Lemel, and what does Lemel do with it?

7. How does David feel while he is out in the storm?

8. Why does Shlemiel not drink water from the well after eating the jam?

9. What does Shlemiel dream about while his wife is at the market?

10. What do the Elders suggest when they hear of Lemel's misfortune with all of his gifts?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Belonging and security are two themes in these stories. In which short stories are these more evident? Which characters are the most motivated by them?

Essay Topic 2

Diversity is a major theme in this book as many different lifestyles and ranks in society are involved. How is this theme shown in this book, and why do you think the author felt it is so important?

Essay Topic 3

The Chelm Elders present a very interesting and unique philosophy on life. What is this philosophy, and how does this different idealism affect the people around them?

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