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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. In the first act, what blessing does the rabbi give the Tsar?

2. When Tevye tells Golde about his frightening dream, he begins by saying that all the people they knew were _______________.

3. The village matchmaker, who has been a widow for a long time, claims that a bad husband:

4. After the Sabbath, where does Tevye go to meet Lazar in order to talk to him?

5. When Grandmother Tzeitel praises Motel as the chosen husband for young Tzeitel, what does Golde say?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Hodel upset that Perchik is leaving for Kiev?

2. How does Hodel react to Perchik's interpretation of the Biblical story of Jacob and Laban?

3. What is the mood at Tevye and Golde's house as everyone prepares for the Sabbath?

4. How are things made somewhat right with Chava in the end?

5. Why does an argument break out during Motel and Tzeitel's wedding reception?

6. When Motel stops by asking for Tzeitel as Golde and the matchmaker converse, why does the matchmaker become suspicious?

7. When some of the villagers complain about the news they read and Mordcha ends up cursing the Tsar and the authorities, Perchik comes to the scene and questions them. Summarize that first conversation between Perchik and the villagers.

8. Summarize the story Perchik tells Tevye's youngest daughters while they peel potatoes.

9. How does Tzeitel take the news that she is to be married to Lazar Wolf?

10. At the start of the story, what does Tevye share with the audience about tradition?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the traditional roles for the papas, mamas, sons, and daughters of the village.

1. For each group, describe what aspects of their specified role brings about a sense of discontentment.

2. Despite this discontent, why are the villagers reluctant to bring about change?

Essay Topic 2

Select one character that goes through a major transformation from the beginning of the story to the conclusion.

1. How does he or she transform?

2. Does this transformation have greater ramifications in the village?

3. Is this individual a better person in the end because of the transformation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Tevye and Golde's five daughters. How does each one break the traditional mold?

(see the answer keys)

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