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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 name of Grandfather's dog?

2. Why does the Tolerable Rabbi call the winner "Kolker"?

3. Which statement would most accurately describe Brod?

4. According to Alex, what is Grandfather like after the trip to Lutsk?

5. What does Jonathan imagine Brod looks like?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Alex claim it would it be "cinchier" for Jonathan to follow his dream?

2. Describe Yankel's internal and external characteristics.

3. When Alex first meets Jonathan, he is "flabbergasted by his appearance" (31). Why?

4. Sofiowka claims that the twin girls did not see anything. Do you believe him? Explain your position.

5. In "Falling in Love, 1791 -1796," we learn that Yankel's wife has left him. What are her motivations and what do you think of this?

6. "An Overture to Encountering the Hero" is meant to be humorous. What elements make it funny? Why?

7. How did the town get its official name?

8. Yankel lies to Brod. What does he lie about? Why does he lie? What do you think about his lies?

9. Why did Yankel change his name? Why did he choose "Yankel"?

10. Name two things Alex claims to be, but that we might suspect he is exaggerating. Explain your response.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Lista and Grandfather. Do not focus on external characteristics, as these will be obvious. Instead, think about what kind of people they are. How do they handle pain? How do they feel about forgiveness? What kinds of life choices do they make? How do they live or not live?

Essay Topic 2

In "Letter Dated 23 September 1997," Alex ponders the idea that we are our fathers. He tells that he thinks he is the "rare bird" (54) in the novel. What does this mean? Is it natural to become like one's parents? Look at the relationships in the book. Who turns into their father? Who does not? In a five paragraph essay, examine the concept that we are our fathers. Is Alex the "rare bird?" Use the text to support you position.

Essay Topic 3

The novel Everything is Illuminated tells three stories. Each story is distinct, yet they all intersect. How are the stories connected? What themes or ideas are prominent in all three? What is the point of each story? Is there a good reason for telling all three stories instead of just one? Is it effective? Discuss why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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