The Devil's Arithmetic Chapters 1-7 Quiz

Questions and Answers

What event is taking place at the beginning of the novel and why is it important to Hannah's family?

The Seder, as it is a time of remembering what is important to the Jewish people.

Why does Hannah not want to attend Grandpa Will's Seder?

She doesn't want to go because she is tired of talking about the past over and over again.

Why does Hannah's mother insist she go to the Seder?

Hannah's mother reminds her of how much family means to Grandpa Will and Grandma Belle, who lost many family members to the Nazis.

How does Aaron behave in the car on the way to Grandpa Will's apartment and what triggers his behavior?

Aaron acts like a baby, complaining that he is sick because he is nervous about the Four Questions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hannah do to help her brother cope with his anxiety and what effect does it have on Aaron?

Hannah tells Aaron a story, which makes him less nervous. Signup and view all the answers

List at least five things readers find out about Hannah.

Ungrateful, malign, brown hair and braces, helpful, comforting. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Hannah a typical older sister to Aaron?

She thinks some of the things he gets to do are unfair, comforts him, teases him, and looks out for him. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hannah's return to the living room go unnoticed?

Everyone was staring at Grandpa Will's rant about what was on the TV. Signup and view all the answers

What is Grandpa Will's reaction to war footage on television, and how does it make Hannah feel?

He screams at the TV, which makes Hannah feel uncomfortable. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Grandpa Dan, and how is he different from Grandpa Will?

Grandpa Dan is Hannah's father's father, who doesn't talk about the war and was born in America. Signup and view all the answers

What moment does Hannah most enjoy at these holiday gatherings, and why?

When she goes to Grandpa Dan's, she enjoys being with her three cousins and sitting separate from the adults. Signup and view all the answers

From what point of view did Jane Yolen write The Devil's Arithmetic?

The story is told from the third person point of view. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author reveal about Hannah in the third chapter?

Hannah can be insincere; she gave the wine away because she didn't like how it made her feel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Grandpa Will offering Hannah wine at the Seder?

It marks the adults' recognition that she is maturing in age. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hannah's mother say during the Seder that upsets Grandpa Will?

Her mother thought Hannah was too young. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Aaron hide the afikoman, and why does this make Hannah laugh?

Aaron hid it in the laundry basket upstairs in the bathroom. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Grandpa Will select Hannah to open the door for the prophet Elijah, and why is this ironic?

He chooses her because he said, 'A sacrifice unasked is so much greater', which is ironic given their poor relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What type of figurative language is used in the quote, 'A bird pelted the air with a strange, lit hint song'?

Personification. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Hannah opens the apartment door?

She is transported to a Polish village. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hannah react to finding herself in another place, and how is it different from Grandpa's apartment?

Hannah's reaction is one of a dream-like state, and the new place is a small, poor village compared to the big, busy New York apartment. Signup and view all the answers

In what language does the woman speak to Hannah, and does Hannah understand her?

The woman speaks Yiddish, which is familiar to Hannah. Signup and view all the answers

What is the woman's name and how does she address Hannah, and why is it familiar to Hannah?

The woman's name is Gitl, and she addresses Hannah as 'Chaya', which is her Hebrew name. Signup and view all the answers

What does the conversation with Gitl reveal about Chaya?

It is revealed that Chaya is an orphan because her parents died of a terrible disease. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hannah know she's not Chaya?

Hannah knows she is not Chaya because she has all her memories of her home and family. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Hannah go to open the door first thing in the morning?

She hopes that she will be transported back to the Bronx. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gitl serve for breakfast, and why does Hannah balk?

Gitl serves a loaf of dark bread, black coffee, and milk with lumps, which Hannah dislikes because she was expecting cereal or doughnuts. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hannah react to the knock at the door, and why?

Hannah jumps, hoping that the 'dream' is over and that it will be her family at the door. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author describe Yitzchak, and how does the reader know that Yitzchak likes Gitl?

Yitzchak only has eyes for Gitl and barely recognizes anyone else around. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Devil's Arithmetic - Chapters 1-7 Overview

The story begins with a Seder, a significant Jewish event focused on remembrance.
Hannah is reluctant to attend Grandpa Will's Seder due to her fatigue with the past.
Her mother emphasizes the importance of family and the trauma experienced by Grandpa Will and Grandma Belle, urging Hannah to attend.

Character Insights

Aaron behaves like a baby, complaining of sickness; his anxiety is triggered by the pressure of reciting the Four Questions.
To ease Aaron's nerves, Hannah tells him a story, which helps calm him.
Hannah possesses multiple traits: ungrateful, malign, brown-haired with braces, helpful, and comforting.
As an older sister, Hannah shows typical behavior by comforting, teasing, and looking out for Aaron.

Family Dynamics

During the Seder, Hannah's return to the living room is overlooked as everyone focuses on Grandpa Will's expressed anger towards war footage on TV.
Grandpa Will's reaction to the war footage is one of deep upset, which makes Hannah uncomfortable due to their strained relationship.

Generational Differences

Grandpa Dan, unlike Grandpa Will, does not discuss the war and is American-born, contrasting with Grandpa Will's painful memories.
Hannah finds joy in her time with cousins at Grandpa Dan's, distancing herself from adult discussions.

Narrative Perspective

The story is narrated from a third-person point of view, giving insight into Hannah's character and feelings.
Hannah is depicted as insincere; her giving away wine stems from personal discomfort rather than generosity.
Grandpa Will recognizing Hannah's maturity by offering her wine holds significance for their relationship.

Symbolism and Themes

Hannah's mother upsets Grandpa Will by suggesting Hannah is too young to handle certain discussions during the Seder.
Aaron hides the afikoman in the laundry basket, which amuses Hannah.
The selection of Hannah to open the door for Elijah is ironic, considering her relationship with Grandpa Will.

Magical Realism

Upon opening the door, Hannah is mysteriously transported to a Polish village, differing greatly from her apartment in New York, marked by poverty and simplicity.
The contrast between the bustle of New York and the small shetetl highlights themes of place and identity.

Cultural Context

The woman in the Polish village speaks Yiddish, which Hannah recognizes as a Jewish language.
Hannah is called "Chaya," her Hebrew name, by Gitl, a woman who reveals Chaya's backstory as an orphan.

Self-Identification

Hannah is aware she is not Chaya due to her memories of her own life and family.
Opening the door in hopes of returning to the Bronx indicates Hannah's desire to escape her current situation.

Daily Life in the Shtetl

Gitl serves black coffee, dark bread, and lumpy milk for breakfast, which contrasts with Hannah's expectations of sweeter foods.
A knock at the door raises Hannah's hopes for familiarity, reflecting her longing for home.

Relationship Dynamics

Yitzchak is illustrated as deeply attentive to Gitl, showing his affection through exclusive focus on her in social settings.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Chapters 1-7 of 'The Devil's Arithmetic'. Delve into important events like the Seder and explore Hannah's feelings about her family's traditions. This study guide is designed to help reinforce your understanding of the story's themes and characters.