View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Reuven go after Kalman's class?

2. What do the teachers at Professor Gordon's school think about David Malter's book?

3. What enrages Michael and causes him to organize a group of boys to try to get out of the treatment center?

4. How is Michael's treatment progressing?

5. To whom does Reuven talk about Michael's actions?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the difference in scholarly approaches between Kalman and Reuven's father.

2. What does Danny's father want to learn and what is his reaction when Reuven tells him?

3. What is Michael's recent disturbing behavior and what precipitated Michael's actions?

4. What happens when Reuven goes in to Michael's room to see him after the fire?

5. What does Michael say about Rav Kalman's article?

6. What does Kalman say to Reuven about his smicha exam?

7. What does Michael do when Reuven says he is going inside because he is cold?

8. What does Reb Saunders tell Reuven and what does Reuven do?

9. What does Danny give Michael and what does Michael say about it to Reuven?

10. What does Danny think about isolation and what does Danny want Reuven to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Promise, like many, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy (or at least optimistic) note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Promise and whether or not The Promise fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Promise is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In The Promise, the most visible and important characters are male. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think novels more often have a male hero than a female one?

2. Do you believe Rachael is as capable (or more so) than Reuven or Daniel? Would the novel be as interesting to you if she were the one that was in a difficult position with Rav Kalman? Why or why not.

3. Do you think females (in the real world) are just as likely and capable as males to be heroes? Why or why not?

4. Would you rather read a book with a male or female hero or do you have a preference? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

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

2. Trace and analyze the theme of mental/emotional illness. Which characters struggle with some sort of emotional illness? Why? Which characters seem really healthy emotionally/mentally? Why? How is Michael Gordon's emotional problems a metaphor for the changes taking place in the realm of Jewish theology?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of tradition. What is Reuven's view of tradition? Kalman's? Michael Gordon's? Professor Gordon's? Why is tradition important to some characters? Is anyone willing to abandon traditional viewpoints? Who? What are the positive and negative sides to tradition?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,267 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample