YDD2104 MIDTERM PREPARATION

Midterm Examination Date: February 29 Duration: 1 hour 20 min Point value: 20% of the final grade  No books, notes or electronic devices allowed.

Section I (40 marks) Identify briefly ANY TEN of the following events, concepts, or individuals (as they relate to Yiddish culture, literature, and/or film).   The material for identification will be taken from the non-fiction course reading, Yiddish Cinema documentary, and the slides.

Section II (60 marks) Respond (in at least three paragraphs) to two essay questions. PREPARE THEM ALL, you will be given a choice of any two from the four I will pick from the list.

Midterm Questions J. Hoberman calls Uncle Moses a “transitional figure.” What do you think this notion implies? What parallels can be drawn between Uncle Moses and Samuel from Singer’s “Son from America”? Describe similarities between workers’ life in Uncle Moses and “Alone in a Strange World.” What role does music play in Mamele and Yiddle with his Fiddle?

Midterm Questions What traditional aspects of Jewish way of living are represented in “Bubbe Henya,” Mamele, and/or Yiddle with his Fiddle? How are young women portrayed in film (your choice) and literature (“In the Boarding House”)? Compare the representation of housewives in “Imprisoned,” “Holiday Dainties,” and Mamele. Examine the gender role quandary in “Kaddish,” Yiddle with his Fiddle, and “Yentl the Yeshiva Boy.”