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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 would most accurately describe Brod?

2. Concerning marriage, what does Yankel request of Brod?

3. Who does Alex fall in love with?

4. What does Alex's father call him?

5. In the "Letter Dated 28 October 1997," what does Alex say that he catches his grandfather doing?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe the relationship between Alex and his father.

5. By the end of "The Very Rigid Search," Alex has yelled at Jonathan twice. Describe these incidents. What is significant about these outbursts?

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

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

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

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

10. Yankel lies to Brod. What does he lie about? Why does he lie? What do you think about his lies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

There are three interrelated stories in Everything is Illuminated. How are the stories connected? What is the major theme that binds them? Why tell the story in three parts? What does this accomplish?

(see the answer keys)

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