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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. Who is Tick's art teacher?

2. Where do people gather to gossip in town?

3. Who does Miles find asleep at the counter of the Grill in Part 3, Chapter 18?

4. What does David harass Miles about at the Lamplighter?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is Miles trying to improve the economy of Empire Falls?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Principal Meyer notes that "the apple didn't fall far from the tree" in the case of Jimmy Minty and his son, Zack. Explain what Principal Meyer means by this statement.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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