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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 Yankel do with the note that his wife left him?

2. Where does Yankel write his life history?

3. How old is Little Igor?

4. What is written on the note Yankel found on his welcome mat?

5. Which statement is an accurate description of Jonathan?

Short Essay Questions

1. The synagogue has some strange features. Describe some of them.

2. 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?

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

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

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

6. Why does Alex agree to go to Lutsk? Use the book to aid in your response.

7. Describe Yankel's internal and external characteristics.

8. Describe Brod and her relationship with the townspeople.

9. What types of things does Yankel write in order to remember who he is? Why does he write about these memories?

10. Describe the origin of Trachimday.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jonathan Safran Foer is both the writer of the novel and is a character in the novel, yet this is a work of fiction. He must include himself in the story for a reason. Research the author and show how his own life has influenced Everything is Illuminated. Make sure you find at least three different resources. Only one of your sources may be from the internet. Compare and contrast the real Jonathan with the fictitious Jonathan.

Essay Topic 2

In the beginning of the novel, Jonathan tells Alex not to change his mistakes because they make the story humorous. He says that it is "the only truthful way to tell a sad story" (53). Do you agree or disagree? Discuss the concept that being "humorous is the only truthful way to tell a sad story" (53). Use examples of how humor is used throughout the novel and explain how they lead to truth and how humor can help when telling a sad story.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, there is the concept that lies and deception are disastrous. This theme is shown in just about every relationship in the novel. Why do people lie? Who do they lie to and what is the effect? What does this mean? What is the author's purpose of including lies in the novel?

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