Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Act I

Reading Check

1. According to Tevye, how do the villagers of Anatevka keep their “balance?”

2. Why does Golde scold Chava?

3. How do the girls’ opinion of marriage shift by the end of the song “Matchmaker”?

4. After Tevye sings “If I Were a Rich Man,” what news does he learn from the villagers?

5. What news does the Constable share with Tevye?

6. What item does Fyedka lend Chava?

7. Why is Lazar Wolf disgruntled at the wedding?

8. What shocking act does Perchik do at the wedding?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Based on the lyrics of the song “Tradition,” identify the different gender roles and summarize their responsibilities in the village of Anatevka.

2. What news does Yente bring for Golde? Describe how Golde responds.

3. What is the misunderstanding between Lazar Wolf and Tevye? What agreement do they come to?

4. What news does Tevye share with Tzeitel? Summarize the different responses from each of the characters in the scene.

5. Why does Tevye share his “dream” with Golde? Describe Golde’s reaction and the outcome of the situation.