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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. Who begins to visit Yakov's cell in the middle of winter in order to obtain body samples?

2. In order to make Yakov appear like a Hasidic Jew, what does the Deputy Warden refuse to let Yakov do?

3. The boy's mother identifies Yakov as the man who chased her son. What does she say Yakov was chasing her son with?

4. As the story begins, where is Yakov Bok?

5. Who discovers what Yakov is doing and confiscates his materials?

Short Essay Questions

1. During an exercise recess, Yakov is told that the other prisoners do not like him. Why not?

2. As winter nears, Yakov hopes to be indicted. Why?

3. Why does Yakov stop keeping track of the days?

4. What does Yakov think about as he rides in the carriage to the courthouse?

5. After Yakov is discovered digging at the concrete and becomes despondent, he finally realizes something that the officials want. What do the officials want?

6. When spring arrives, a visitor comes to the prison to comfort Yakov. What does the visitor tell Yakov he must do in order to be released from the prison?

7. When Yakov tells his visitor that he is being held in jail because he lied about his papers, how does the visitor respond?

8. As Yakov shivers in his cell in deepest despair, how does he view himself in relationship to the Tsar?

9. As Yakov is being prepared for his trial, why does a barber come and shave Yakov's head?

10. As Yakov imagines talking to the Tsar, how does Yakov answer the Tsar's question about whether Yakov has been taught anything by his suffering?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book is entitled, "The Fixer". Why does the author choose this title? How does the title foreshadow the struggles Yakov faces, the overarching political climate, and the determination of Yakov to keep busy while incarcerated?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

After arriving at the cave, both Bibikov and the colonel see roads leading away from the cave. Describe each of these roads and the reaction of each of these two characters upon seeing the roads. Then, compare and contrast these two characters using their reactions as the starting point for a larger discussion about how these two characters are different.

(see the answer keys)

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