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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 were the prisoners instructed to take with them to the baths?

2. What do Golda and Ernie decide there is no time left to do?

3. Why do the members of The Association say it is useless to push a Levy?

4. Why did Ernie decide not to join the protest movements?

5. What lifesaving device was distributed to all workmen except Jews?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Ernie unable to fight to defend Jacob, even though he trains himself to do so?

2. Why does Ernie compare himself to a cat?

3. What does Ernie say to comfort the children in the boxcar?

4. What part does the music of the band play in the successful extermination of the Jews?

5. Where did the Nazis tell the Jews they were going in the boxcars?

6. Why does Ernie decide he does not want to join the movements that are fighting back against the Nazis?

7. What details alert Ernie to the fact that the passengers will never leave this place?

8. What were the Jews told to take with them into the "Baths and Inhalations"?

9. What happens to Ernie in the infirmary where he is put to recover from his torture session?

10. How does Ernie describe Jesus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

All stories are either plot-driven, relying upon the action of the story to maintain interest, or character-driven, where the most important story element is the changes that take place in the lives of the characters. In your essay, tell whether you think The Last of the Just is plot-driven or character-driven. Substantiate your position with examples and illustrations from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Benjamin declares that being a Jew is impossible. In your essay, explain the ways in which the Jews in this story are different from other human groups. How are they identified? How do they see themselves among other people? What does Benjamin mean when he says it is impossible?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay exploring the character and personality of Ernie. What motivates him as a child? As an adult? What does he want to do? Does he believe himself to be a Just Man? The author talks of the first death of Ernie. Are there more than one? More than two? Use specific examples from the story.

(see the answer keys)

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