86 pages 2-hour read

The Endless Steppe

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | YA | Published in 1968

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Essay Topics

1.

How does the author, Esther Hautzig, utilize different narrative techniques to add humor to the book?

2.

Research traditional Jewish funeral and mourning rituals. Compare and contrast these to the Rudomins’ experience in exile.

3.

Compare and contrast two different characters from the book and how they change.

4.

Using evidence from the book, explore the advantages and disadvantages of pride.

5.

Explore how books and reading become “sacred” to Esther, serving as an escape for her throughout the book.

6.

Compare and contrast the train journey to Siberia and the train journey back to Poland.

7.

What is anti-Semitism? How does Esther experience anti-Semitism in the book?

8.

What are examples of different types of irony in the book?

9.

Research Russia’s role in World War II. How does this historical context affect Esther’s life?

10.

Research life in Communist Russia. Why were people like the Rudomins exiled to Siberia?

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