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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 "Letter Dated 26 January 1998," what does Alex do with the division Jonathan sent him?

2. Who does Alex think was "born to be a writer"?

3. When the old woman's father was told to do something or his wife would be shot, what did he do?

4. What did the Nazi's first do when they came to Trachimbrod?

5. Who is the bridegroom that the men are waiting for in "The Dial, 1941-1804-1941"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is odd about Zosha's family home?

2. How does Safran's teeth effect his life? What might have been different if he had not been born with teeth?

3. In "Letter Dated 12 December 1997," what does Alex think about Jonathan's writing about Safran? Is this hypocritical? What has Alex learned?

4. Safran does not consummate his relationship until his wedding night. What does this suggest about his relationships with other women?

5. What is the relationship between Safran in 1941, Brod in 1804, and the Dial.

6. Although the novel does not say it directly, based on what is written in the Book of Antecedents, what can we assume Brod asked the Kolker to do? Why would she ask this?

7. Alex has changed throughout the novel. Identify how he has changed by the time he writes "Letter Dated 24 December 1997." What do you think brought about the change?

8. The old woman tells that she must live near Trachimbrod as "punishment" (189). According to her, what is she being punished for? What does this mean to you?

9. Alex asks Jonathan to finish writing the chapter "An Overture to Illumination." Why? Does Jonathan do it? How can you tell?

10. Why does Alex send back the money that Jonathan sent him? Why is he angry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Everything is Illuminated explores the idea of writing. Look at the characters in the novel who write. What genres do they use? Why do people write? What does it accomplish? Is it worth it? What is the author's purpose?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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