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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Janine doing as she sits in Callahan's?

2. Walt is ________________ older than Janine.

3. In what type of car does Miles take driving lessons?

4. How old did Janine think Walter was?

5. Who sometimes takes Cindy to the cemetery?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Max and what he represents in the town of Empire Falls.

2. How does Miles try to help John Voss.

3. What is the Exacto knife and why does it signify foreshadowing for the plot?

4. Explain why the poison ivy is a metaphor in Part 1, Chapter 8.

5. What are the three elements consuming Janine's life at this point in time?

6. Why does Janine call Miles The Human Rut?

7. Cite three examples of foreshadowing in Part 2, Chapter 12.

8. Explain the economic dynamics of the town as the story begins.

9. Explain how Jimmy Minty is a true product of his environment.

10. What does Father Mark represent in the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Russo liberally uses humor in the story to both entertain and convey character. Cite at least two examples which you find especially humorous.

Essay Topic 2

Why does Miles have a love-hate relationship with Max? Does Miles blame Max for his mother's indiscretions? Does Max hold any silent hostility toward Miles? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

During the Martha's Vineyard trip, Charlie, Grace and Miles all get poison ivy. Explain what the poison ivy is a metaphor for in this chapter. Why is it different for each of the three characters?

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