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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 does John Voss' lunch smell like?

2. On what number is Janine fixated as she sits at the ballgame?

3. What does Miles discover from the newspaper photo?

4. What kind of animal does Max see in the cemetery?

5. Who is Bea Majeski?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the role of Timmy, the cat, in the story?

2. Name the three events of Part 3, Chapter 15 which foreshadow coming events for the plot.

3. What does Father Mark represent in the story?

4. Why does Janine call Miles The Human Rut?

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

6. How is Miles' good heart exhibited in the scene with a hungover Buster?

7. Describe how Zack Minty exhibits unsportsmanlike behavior and then manipulates the crowd at the football game.

8. Explain how Miles is too good for his own good.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Toward the end of the story, John Voss commits a hideous crime. What is the crime and what were his motivations? Given John's background, can he be held accountable for what he has done? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the setting of Empire Falls. What is the significance of the river?

Essay Topic 3

Do a character sketch of Janine Roby including positive and negative characteristics. Why does Janine seem to vacillate between divorcing Miles or not.

(see the answer keys)

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