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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did the Nazi's first do when they came to Trachimbrod?
(a) Blow everything up.
(b) Give chocolate to the children.
(c) Shoot people at random.
(d) Burn down the synagogue.

2. Who has a ticket for the same seat at the theater as Safran?
(a) The Gypsy girl.
(b) Zosha.
(c) Lista P.
(d) Rose.

3. After leaving Lista and drinking vodka, what do Grandfather, Alex, and Jonathan argue about?
(a) What to talk about.
(b) Where to go the next day.
(c) What to eat.
(d) Whether or not they should open the box.

4. What does Safran get paid to do by the Sloucher congregation?
(a) Remodel the Double House.
(b) Read to the illiterate.
(c) Go to the movies.
(d) Visit widows.

5. In "An Overture to Illumination," Jonathan, Alex, and Grandfather are returning from Trachimbrod. Why does Grandfather get mad at their waitress?
(a) She reminds him of someone he knew.
(b) She calls Jonathan a Jew.
(c) She spills their drinks on them.
(d) She does not have any meals without meat.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Safran meet up with at the wedding reception?

2. What does Alex ask Jonathan in "Letter Dated 24 December 1997?"

3. Who thinks "This is love . . When you notice someone's absence and hate that absence more than anything" (121)?

4. What is written on Sofiowka's chest when he is found dead?

5. When Safran meets the Gypsy, what is the subject of the play they are watching?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Falling in Love," what does "Augustine" look like?

2. The old woman tells that she must live near Trachimbrod as "punishment" (189). According to her, what is she being punished for? What does this mean to you?

3. Why does Alex lie about his sex life?

4. Why do women fall in love with Safran?

5. How does Safran's teeth effect his life? What might have been different if he had not been born with teeth?

6. Alex has changed throughout the novel. Identify how he has changed by the time he writes "Letter Dated 24 December 1997." What do you think brought about the change?

7. In "Letter Dated 12 December 1997," what does Alex think about Jonathan's writing about Safran? Is this hypocritical? What has Alex learned?

8. Is Jonathan a reliable narrator? Defend your response.

9. Safran does not consummate his relationship until his wedding night. What does this suggest about his relationships with other women?

10. What does Jonathan tell Alex about his grandmother while waiting for Grandfather and the old woman? What do Jonathan and his grandmother have in common?

(see the answer keys)

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