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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 the nickname for Walt Comeau?

2. What does Miles think David grows at his house?

3. With whom does John Voss say he lives?

4. Who is Janine?

5. Who does Miles hire to bus tables?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What inappropriate behavior does Jimmy reveal that makes Miles like him even less?

6. How does Miles try to help John Voss.

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

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

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

10. What is the setting for 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

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 3

Who do you think is the real father of Miles and David Roby--Max or C.B. Whiting? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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