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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. According to Helen, what is 'love' when it comes from Frank's mouth?

2. Who comes to visit Frank unexpectedly?

3. What have Morris and Helen not told Ida?

4. How many days does Morris spend in the hospital?

5. Who will buy Morris' house and store?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Morris react when Frank tells him the truth about the hold-up?

2. How does Frank feel about his actions? What did he do to Helen?

3. Describe Helen and Frank's arguments about sex, and how they are resolved.

4. How does Helen feel about Frank not being Jewish?

5. How does Morris view his luck in this chapter?

6. Describe the nightmare Morris has. What do you think it means?

7. How does Ward die?

8. What goes through Morris' mind as he lies in bed?

9. How does Helen feel about her father's funeral, and his life?

10. How does Frank plan on convincing Morris to let him stay?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay describing your vision of the ideal lifestyle. Be sure to address:

1) What you feel are the most important aspects of a good lifestyle, and what to avoid.

2) How one can attain the ideal lifestyle, and how realistic this lifestyle is.

3) How THE ASSISTANT by Bernard Malamud has influenced your view of the ideal lifestyle.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on the death of Morris Bober. Be sure to address:

1) Why you feel the author decided to 'kill off' Morris.

2) The message and meaning behind Morris' death.

3) The importance of the timing of Morris' death.

4) How Morris' death affected you personally as a reader.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the life choices made by character in THE ASSISTANT. Be sure to address:

1) Themes and examples of regret and missed opportunities.

2) Examples of good and bad life choices made by characters in the novel.

3) The message you feel Bernard Malamud is communicating to readers regarding life choices.

(see the answer keys)

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