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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. At the end of Chapter 4, Asher hears that which Russian prisoners have been released?
(a) The Jewish bakers.
(b) The Jewish doctors.
(c) Everyone in debtors' prison.
(d) Yudel Krinsky's coworkers.

2. Asher sees strong similarities between the face of the mashpia and the face of which other character?
(a) Aryeh.
(b) The Rebbe.
(c) Jacob Kahn.
(d) Yudel Krinsky.

3. In Chapter 6, Asher remembers a conversation between himself as a toddler and Aryeh regarding which publication?
(a) Newsweek.
(b) The Enquirer.
(c) The Washington Post.
(d) The New York Times.

4. Yudel Krinsky describes which place as "a city of cafes and waltzes"?
(a) Vienna.
(b) Lisbon.
(c) London.
(d) Munich.

5. Which person's picture is on the wall in every classroom at Asher's school?
(a) Yudel Krinsky.
(b) Abraham.
(c) Moses.
(d) The Rebbe.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which character's unexpected death causes Rivkeh to fall into a serious depression?

2. In her long weeks of studying and of waiting for Aryeh to return, Rivkeh picks up the habit of gnawing on what object?

3. Of whom does Asher frequently dream?

4. Which character does not want to leave Brooklyn to go to Europe?

5. What does Asher's father make every morning for breakfast?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 6, Rivkeh takes Asher to the Parkway Museum (also called the Brooklyn Museum). Describe their experience there.

2. Describe Asher's mythic ancestor.

3. Explain the Rebbe's opinion of Asher's desire to be an artist.

4. At the end of Chapter 3, Asher draws a picture of Stalin in his notebook without realizing it. What do you think is happening in Asher's mind when he draws things without being aware of it?

5. Out of a deep longing to learn to use oil paints, Asher steals several tubes of oil paint and several brushes from Yudel Krinsky's store. What does he do with them? Why do you think he does this?

6. Why does Asher ask Yudel Krinsky questions about Russia?

7. What does the mashpia do at Asher's school?

8. What happened to Yudel Krinsky in Russia? Describe some of his life before coming to the United States.

9. When talking with Asher about Vienna, what does Yudel Krinsky imply when he quotes, "honor your father and mother"?

10. In Chapter 1, Asher sometimes goes with Aryeh to the office. What does Aryeh do there, according to Asher?

(see the answer keys)

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