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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. Which statement is an accurate description of Jonathan?

2. What color are Brod's eyes?

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

4. What is the name of the synagogue that straddles the "Jewish/Human fault line" (10)?

5. In "The Very Rigid Search," what does Alex say that makes the old woman admit she knows about Trachimbrod?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Yankel's internal and external characteristics.

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

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

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

5. Describe the origin of Trachimday.

6. Describe how Yankel's feels when he finds out that he is going to be a father.

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

8. Describe Brod and her relationship with the townspeople.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As a historical fiction, this novel is influenced by real events and ideas. Analyze how World War II or the Jewish culture have influenced this novel. For example, you may show how the violence of the war led to the violence in the family unit, or show how the Jewish culture has led to the use of themes like rebirth, suffering, sadness, justice, or forgiveness. Use examples from the novel to support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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