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Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. In order to make Yakov appear like a Hasidic Jew, what does the Deputy Warden refuse to let Yakov do?
2. When Bibikov comes to the prison to question Yakov, who does Bibikov believe is actually responsible for Zhenia's murder?
3. Who is the first person to bring firewood to Yakov's cell?
4. Where does Yakov pretend to be from when confronted by the boatman?
5. What is the mother's name of the boy Yakov is accused of killing?
Short Essay Questions
1. When Yakov tells his visitor that he is being held in jail because he lied about his papers, how does the visitor respond?
2. Why is the Deputy Warden excited to learn of Yakov's escape-from-boredom activities?
3. As winter nears, Yakov hopes to be indicted. Why?
4. When Yakov finally meets with his attorney, what is the bad news that the attorney tells to Yakov?
5. Why do the officials decide not to charge Yakov with sexual assault based on Zina's official testimony?
6. As spring continues on, Yakov is no longer allowed to make his trips to the kitchen. Why?
7. According to what Marfa has written, what should Yakov do in order for everything to be set right?
8. What is Yakov reminded of as he wonders what might have happened if he simply had stayed in the shtetl?
9. Based on the indictment the warden delivers to Yakov, why does Yakov think he may be freed when he finally goes to trial?
10. When spring arrives, a visitor comes to the prison to comfort Yakov. Why does the visitor come?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Compare and contrast Yakov Bok and B.A. Bibikov.
a. How are the two characters similar? How are they different?
b. Compare the role that justice plays in each of their lives. How is each character affected by the concept of justice - both positively and negatively?
Essay Topic 2
Identify four of the people that are on the side of the prosecution against Yakov for the murder of Zhenia. Then, compare and contrast the backgrounds, experiences, and opinions of the four prosecution members you identified when Zhenia was first found murdered. Is each member of the group necessary in order for the prosecution to build its case against Yakov? Why or why not? Is any member of the group expendable? Why or why not? What might have been different if these group members were not involved with the case? Explain your reasoning.
Essay Topic 3
Throughout the course of the novel, Yakov has to deal with two very different authority figures. Compare and contrast the relationship Yakov has with Bibikov and the relationship Yakov has with the prosecutor. Then, compare and contrast the two men. How do these two relationships influence not only Yakov, but also the events that surround the crime and its investigation?
This section contains 790 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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