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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 Morris get from across the street?

2. How does Frank feel about Jews?

3. What does Louis say Helen makes him do?

4. How did Karp make his fortune?

5. What did Frank do with his portion of the money from the heist?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Helen react to Nat's telephone call?

2. Describe the relationship between the old woman and the Bobers.

3. How is business at the store improving? Why?

4. What happens to Morris at the end of the chapter? How does this event reflect his life?

5. How does Frank do while filling in for Morris?

6. How does Helen feel about her failed relationship with Nat Pearl?

7. How does Morris feel about owning the store?

8. What do Louis and Helen talk about when they go for a ride?

9. How does Frank feel about life at the store?

10. How does Frank get a chance to talk to Helen? How does Helen react?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on crime and criminals in THE ASSISTANT. Be sure to address:

1) Criminal acts that are carried out or planned in the novel.

2) How you feel the author intends readers to view the criminal behavior of characters in the novel.

3) How prevalent the crimes described in the novel are in the real world, and the punishments that these crimes carry.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay describing the symbols used by the author in the novel. Be sure to address at least three symbols used by the author, with the essay focusing on their deeper meaning and role within the story.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that critically reviews THE ASSISTANT by Bernard Malamud, in a formal book review style. Be sure to address:

1) Major themes of the novel and how well they are communicated to readers.

2) Your opinion on the writing style used by the author.

3) The universal importance of the book's subject matter.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 919 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample