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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. Where does Jacob Kahn live?

2. In Chapter 9, Jacob Kahn encourages Asher to paint the full depth of his hatred for which person in his life?

3. On what day of the week does Asher visit Jacob Kahn?

4. Which age does Jacob Kahn say he would like to live past?

5. In Chapter 14, which character does Asher call to ask about his parents?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Asher do for the summer while Jacob Kahn campaigns for Kennedy?

2. Describe how Jacob Kahn looks in Chapter 14.

3. In Chapter 13, Asher's understanding of his mythic ancestor changes. What does Asher realize about him?

4. How does Asher describe the difference between a naked woman and a nude?

5. Why does Asher begin carrying messages for the Rebbe?

6. Why does the Rebbe want Asher to study Russian?

7. What is the illness that forces Jacob Kahn into bed for a few days?

8. What does Aryeh look like in Chapter 12, after Rivkeh has spent several years with him in Europe?

9. What is Asher's strongest memory of his first art show?

10. Why does Jacob Kahn say that Asher is becoming a whore?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Asher's street becomes a major subject for his art and a major symbol of security for him. If Asher had been forced to move to Europe with his parents, how do you think that move would have affected his art?

Essay Topic 2

"Vocation" is a word that describes one's choice of career as a way to fulfill one's personhood. This novel heavily emphasizes vocation as a way to follow God. Compare and contrast Aryeh's choice to travel for the Rebbe with Asher's choice to become an artist. Do you think they choose appropriate vocations to express who they are on the inside? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Anna Schaeffer's role in Asher's life. How do you feel about the way her employees arrive at Asher's apartment, carry away his paintings, and don't let him see them again until the show?

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