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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 Rav Kalman ask Reuven?

2. What does Kalman do in protest about the planned changes at his school?

3. How do David Malter and Rav Kalman differ academically?

4. What does Reuven continue to do with Rav Kalman?

5. What is one consequence of the orthodox reaction to Rav Kalman's article?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the impact of David Malter's book and Kalman's ensuing article on the Yeshiva where David teaches?

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

6. What does Reuven think about the reason for orthodox Jews to become so stubborn?

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

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

9. What does Reuven argue at his smicha exam and why is that upsetting to Kalman and Gershenson?

10. What explanation does Kalman offer for his attack on Greenfield the day before in class?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss The Promise based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if The Promise is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that The Promise deals with a very specific, narrow subject matter changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Michael's character and his problems are intertwined with many of the other major characters. In chapter one, Michael's emotional problems are evident already. Discuss the following:

1. What foreshadowing takes place in chapter one about Michael, and where and how does the foreshadowing resolve itself?

2. Discuss which characters Michael in some way mirrors? How and why does he serve as a mirror? Give specific examples.

3. Define the concept of "foil" in a literary sense. Discuss which characters to whom Michael is a foil. How and why does he serve as a foil? Give specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Promise.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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