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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. Why does the housekeeper work?
(a) She is bored at home and likes buying things.
(b) She enjoys housework.
(c) She is a widow.
(d) She has eight children to support.

2. With what does Friedrich greet a man outside the Meyer department store?
(a) Heil Hitler.
(b) A "grown-up" handshake.
(c) Guten Tag.
(d) A solemn nod.

3. Why does the Nazi demand that Friedrich and the narrator leave?
(a) Because they are Jews.
(b) Because they go into the shop.
(c) Because they are so young.
(d) Because they greet Mr. Rosenthal.

4. What is Germany full of at the moment?
(a) Working towards peace.
(b) Unlimited opportunities.
(c) Spiritual awakenings.
(d) Unemployment and hardship.

5. What does Friedrich's father ask him?
(a) If the narrator was the one who broke the window.
(b) If he is sorry for the window.
(c) If Friedrich will work off the debt for the window.
(d) If he broke the window intentionally.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose office sign has a the word "Jew" scrawled across it?

2. What does Mrs. Schneider explain about the mezuzah?

3. What has the narrator's father encouraged him to do?

4. Who watches the narrator while his mother is working?

5. What does the narrator's mother do while his father is looking for a job?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the date and setting and milieu at the opening of this novel and what major characters are introduced?

2. Describe the grandfather's visit to the narrator's household.

3. Why do you think Friedrich says "Heil, Hitler" outside the department store?

4. How does the narrator describe the Jewish Sabbath dinner at Friedrich's home? What does this indicate to the reader?

5. Describe how the window is broken. Do you think the narrator shows courage in taking responsibility for breaking the window or is lying never acceptable?

6. What does Friedrich do after the verdict and what is the judge's response? Why do you think Friedrich responds the way he does?

7. What are the indications that the narrator's family is not as well to do as Friedich's family?

8. Describe the proceedings in the court and their implications.

9. How does the teacher demonstrate his sympathy for the Jews and for Friedrich in particular?

10. How does Friedrich's relationship with his mother contrast to that of the narrator's relationship with his mother?

(see the answer keys)

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