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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 does Mrs. Shlemiel do to keep Shlemiel from eating the Hanukkah treat?

2. What gift does Yenta give Lemel?

3. What is Shmelkicha told to do about her daughters in bed?

4. Why did David's father go to the village?

5. How did David find his way home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What wakes Shlemiel up while his wife is away, and what does he do?

2. What do the Elders say when they hear about what happened at Shlemiel's house?

3. What does David demand of the devil when his tail is caught in the door?

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

5. What helps David get back to his house?

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

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

8. What happens as David returns to his house?

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

10. How does a jar of chicken fat rip and stain Lemel's coat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despair is a common theme in these stories. Discuss the role of despair in the lives of Singer's characters.

Essay Topic 2

Interesting advice is given and received in these stories. What are some examples of this advice, and what are the consequences of it?

Essay Topic 3

Shame and propriety are common themes throughout this book. What are some of the instances where these themes are present, and why are they so important to the characters involved?

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