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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. Where did Miles and Tick go on vacation?

2. Where does Max want to move?

3. Who is the bossy waitress at the Enterprise Grill?

4. What is Janine wearing at the game?

5. What does Charlene say she wants to give to John Voss?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does David want Miles to expand his business opportunities?

3. Explain how the driving lesson with Mrs. Whiting helps Miles overcome his fear.

4. Explain the irony in Miles' not having driven a car before taking driver's education.

5. How is Tick different from most of the residents of Empire Falls?

6. Why does Janine call Miles The Human Rut?

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

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

9. Why does David keep pressuring Miles about a liquor license?

10. Explain the significance of the river as a metaphor for life in Empire Falls.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Father Mark's role in the story? What is his background? Why has he come to Empire Falls?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

What is the role of Mrs. Whiting in the town? What is her role toward the Roby family? Why is she especially benevolent to them given the fact that Grace Roby had had an affair with her husband many years ago?

(see the answer keys)

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