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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. When will Rifka truly be an American?

2. How long did the broken steamship drift until help arrived?

3. What had Pieter encouraged Rifka to do?

4. How old is Pieter?

5. What does the person in #73 teach Rifka regarding hygiene?

Short Essay Questions

1. What sailing arrangements are made for Rifka to go to America when she is cured?

2. What does this section of the book show about Rifka's burgeoning maturity?

3. What does Rifka's brief friendship with Pieter mean, and how is she able to move on past his death?

4. What excites Rifka about news in a letter from her parents?

5. What do Mama and Papa give to Rifka before they leave for the United States and she goes to Belgium?

6. What terrible fate does Pieter meet during a big storm while aboard ship?

7. How does Rifka prepare herself for going to America?

8. How does Rifka learn to find family connections even though she is alone in Antwerp?

9. What can Rifka see from her bedroom window in Antwerp?

10. What are some of the foods that Rifka comes to enjoy in Antwerp?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Leaving is a common theme in the story. Cite some examples of people leaving in Rifka's life and how she herself longs to leave her existence.

Essay Topic 2

"Letters from Rifka" is a letter-based novel. Explain the concept of what a letter-based novel is and cite examples that support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

The quest for America takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

(see the answer keys)

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