The cheapest way to live in Polotzk was to pay as you went along. Even a little girl understood that. In your father’s parlor hung a large colored portrait of Alexander III. The czar was a cruel tyrant—oh, it was whispered when doors were locked and shutters tightly barred, at night—he was a Titus, a Haman, a sworn foe of all Jews—and yet his portrait was seen in a place of honor in your father’s house. You knew why. It looked well when police or government officers came on business.

The czar was always sending us commands,—you shall not do this and you shall not do that,—till there was very little left that we might do, except pay tribute and die. One positive command he gave us: You shall love and honor your emperor. In every congregation a prayer must be said for the czar’s health, or the chief of police would close the synagogue. On a royal birthday every house must fly a flag, or the owner would be dragged to a police station and be fined twenty-five rubles.
—Mary Antin: A Little Jewish Girl in the Russian Pale, 1890

Why might the Russians close a synagogue?
a.
for health reasons
c.
to open a Christian church
b.
failure to pray for the czar
d.
failure to pay a fine

Please select the best answer from the choices provided

A
B
C
D