View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What news does Gerda's family receive in mid October?

2. What is the family told is happening to Arthur's letters?

3. Which of the Jewish population is virtually gone?

4. Does Gerda think of the present situation she lives in?

5. In the beginning of the novel, who is invading Gerda's hometown?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Arthur go to visit his girlfriend and what does he find?

2. Who visits Gerda's father while he is sick?

3. What type of flower would Gerda pick with her mother?

4. What is taken from Gerda?

5. What type of job do the women perform?

6. What is ALL BUT MY LIFE about?

7. Why didn't Gerda's family escape sooner?

8. What changes take place once the Nazis take over?

9. What does Julius make Gerda promise?

10. What does Gerda's family give her for her birthday?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During the story, some of the characters acquire poison for themselves of for their children. Why do some of the families force their children to take the poison?

a. Do you feel that this is necessary?

b. Does Gerda ever use the poison that she traded her pendant for?

Essay Topic 2

Gerda's family (and others) puts up little or no resistance against the Germans when they were invaded. Why didn't more Jews resist? Do you think that resisting against German forces would have helped or made things worse? Why were Gerda's neighbors giving the Germans flowers and praise?

Essay Topic 3

At one point we are introduced to Mr Pipersberg who is Gerda's father's business partner. What is the significance of this character? What is the common interest that Mr. Pipersberg and Julius share? What happens when Mr. Pipersberg tries to enter the fur factory?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 612 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample