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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. In the "Letter Dated 28 October 1997," what does Alex say that he catches his grandfather doing?

2. Who says"I must say that the dream that we are our fathers made me melancholy" (54)?

3. Who claims that it was Trachim who drove into the river?

4. How is the town divided?

5. How old is Little Igor?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the origin of Trachimday.

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

3. By the end of "The Very Rigid Search," Alex has yelled at Jonathan twice. Describe these incidents. What is significant about these outbursts?

4. Foer writes that Brod could "never be happy and honest at the same time" (79). What does this mean? Give examples from the text.

5. Why does Brod think she is the float queen in the Trachimday parade? What is the real reason?

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

7. Alex compares his father's abuse to the search for Augustine. In what ways are they similar?

8. Describe the lottery drawn in "The Lottery, 1791." What do you think of the "lottery"? Explain your reasoning.

9. What ailment does Grandfather claim to have and why? How do you know he is lying?

10. What is the relationship between Grandfather and Jonathan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, Foer suggests that everything that ends begins again. Remember that the theme of rebirth does not necessarily have to do with physical rebirth. Their can also be spiritual, emotional, and symbolic rebirth. Discuss this theory and how Foer supports it. What does it mean? What does it teach?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Alex and Jonathan. Think about their internal and external characteristics. Compare their approach to situations and their thoughts about the world. Also, compare their writing styles and purpose in writing.

Essay Topic 3

What does Jonathan Safran Foer suggest about human nature in his novel? Do you disagree or agree? Why? Give details and examples to support your argument.

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