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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. What does Julian feel he cannot handle?

2. What interrupts Sam's plans to play online poker?

3. What does Tyler say about Sam's expectations for Jews?

4. What does Julian think to himself that he is good at while sitting in his and Hephzibah's bedroom?

5. For whom does Hephzibah cry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Sam think is so beautiful about Kaddish?

2. What man interests Sam and what does Hephzibah say about the man and his friends?

3. What does Libor tell Julian when Julian mentions his fears about Sam and Hephzibah?

4. Who is Meyer Abramsky and what did he do?

5. What interrupts Sam's plans to play online poker?

6. What does Libor do in Beachy Head?

7. What is the worse time for Malkie as she was dying and how is Libor feeling similarly?

8. What does Julian recall about a face-painting incident?

9. What is the manuscript Tyler leaves for Sam and how does he respond to it?

10. Where does Sam say Kaddish?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of prejudice in The Finkler Question. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of grief in The Finkler Question. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in The Finkler Question. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Finkler Question.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Finkler Question. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Finkler Question. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Howard Jacobson.

2. What in Jacobson's background may have helped him in writing The Finkler Question? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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