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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. How long had Moshke had insurance before the place burned down?

2. What does the son score lowly on the second time he takes the exams in High School?

3. What is the name of the cantor's daughter who committed suicide?

4. How does the Priest treat Berko after the train stops?

5. Why does Berko think the train stopped?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the term "meeting the train" mean?

2. How does Danielchik treat others as a child?

3. Describe the appearance of Danielchik.

4. How was Motek able to emigrate to Buenos Aires?

5. Why does Aharon's son leave the school?

6. How did Paysi's father die?

7. In The Automatic Exemption, when the father visits lawyers in Yehupetz and explains his predicament to them, why are they unable to give him advice?

8. What does the Jewish holiday of Sukkos celebrate?

9. What do the pogrom rioters find when they arrive at Heysen?

10. How does the narrator of High School describe his wife?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Sholem Aleichem's writing style? Discuss both the mechanical aspect of his writing and his "voice" throughout the novel. Make sure and discuss what literary tools and devices he relies on most and what specific parts of the text reflect his voice.

Essay Topic 2

How can the character of Tevye be seen as an permutation of the biblical character of Job and how has Aleichem fostered this comparison through Tevye's experiences and outlook?

Essay Topic 3

Aleichem utilizes the literary tool of irony extensively throughout "Tevye the Dairyman and the Railroad Stories". Using at least three textual examples, describe how Aleichem utilized irony to establish themes, strengthen characterizations and add humor.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 606 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample