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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 do both Alex and Jonathan believe about the people in the photograph?

2. What name is chosen for the shtetl in a lottery?

3. Who is the first character introduced in the book?

4. By the time she is twelve, how many men have proposed to Brod?

5. What does Sammy Davis Junior, Junior do to the shirt that she was given to look official?

Short Essay Questions

1. What clues tell the reader that Brod is having a vision of the future in "Recurrent Secrets, 1791-1943"?

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

3. In "Another Lottery, 1791," the town again makes a decision based on a lottery. Describe the two lotteries. What does this seem to suggest about the town?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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