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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. Etty acknowledges _____________ that is inherent in all human beings.

2. Etty feels a certain amount of ___________ toward Spier.

3. Etty remarks that her lovers have all felt like what?

4. Etty Hillesum was determined to grow ________________.

5. Etty becomes acutely aware of the individual's responsibility to engage in rigorous _________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Etty begin to change significantly and radically?

2. What becomes more of a presence? How does this affect Etty?

3. When did the author first begin writing this diary? Describe her at this time.

4. How does Etty feel about men? How does she explain this?

5. What does Etty say about evil?

6. What does Etty do to become closer to God?

7. Over what does Etty want to gain control? What does she resolve to do every day?

8. What does Etty reveal about Spier? How does Etty, at this point, feel about Spier?

9. Why did Etty begin this diary?

10. What does Etty say about the topic of hatred?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Etty and her family are transported to Auschwitz.

Part 1) What leads to them being transported to this concentration camp? How is this foreshadowed earlier in the book? How did Etty feel when her family joined her in Westerbork and then in Auschwitz? Why did she feel this way?

Part 2) Why might they have all been sent to Auschwitz? Is there anything that could have been done to prevent this? How does this lead to the end of the story? How does this affect you as the reader?

Part 3) How does Etty's attitude throughout this book help Etty prepare for this tragedy? What can we learn from Etty and her attitude throughout this book?

Essay Topic 2

Max Kormann is a close friend of Etty's.

Part 1) Describe Max Kormann. How did they become close friends? What do these two people have in common? Use the text to support your response.

Part 2) How is their friendship important? How is it important to Etty's story?

Part 3) Who is one of your close friends? Why? How is this person important in your life?

Essay Topic 3

Etty is drawn to self-denial and meditation.

Part 1) Describe these desires. How are these seen at the beginning of the book? How do they change? Why do they change?

Part 2) How does self-denial play a role in her actions? How did this self-denial affect others? Is this self-denial a positive thing? Why or why not?

Part 3) When have you denied yourself something? Why did you do this? How did this affect you? Have you ever meditated or spent time being contemplative? If so, how were you affected?

(see the answer keys)

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