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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. Who is in the picture Grandfather pulled from the "In Case" box?

2. In "An Overture to Illumination," Jonathan, Alex, and Grandfather are returning from Trachimbrod. Why does Grandfather get mad at their waitress?

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

4. Who does Safran meet up with at the wedding reception?

5. In "Letter Dated 26 January 1998," what does Alex tell about Grandfather?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Jonathan a reliable narrator? Defend your response.

2. In "Falling in Love," what does "Augustine" look like?

3. Why does Grandfather ask Alex for money and what does Alex say in return? Will Alex give him the money?

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

5. Why does Alex lie about his sex life?

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

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

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. With everything that has happened to Jonathan, Alex, and Grandfather, even Grandfather goes through some significant changes. In "An Overture to Illumination," Grandfather makes the waitress apologize to Jonathan. Why? What is different about Grandfather? How and why has he changed?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel, there is a theme of responsibility. Every man or woman is somehow responsible for their child's actions. Discuss the concept of a father/mother's responsibility for the their child's actions. Is this true? Give examples from Foer's novel and provide examples from your own life that may show responsibility in family relationships or the lack thereof.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,647 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample