Everything Is Illuminated

Jonathan Safran FoerFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-15

Chapters 16-18

Chapters 19-21

Chapters 22-24

Chapters 25-26

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Throughout Everything is Illuminated, Alex refers to Jonathan as the “hero,” implying that he is the protagonist of the novel. However, it could be argued that Alex, instead, is the protagonist. Argue for one of these two characters as the protagonist of the novel.

When Lista tells her story, she makes a point of directing it at Alex and ignoring Jonathan. Grandfather seems to support her choice, gesturing to Alex and saying, “Tell him.” Why is it so important to these two characters that Alex hears this story? Why is he the focus of their attention?

Analyze Safran Foer’s use of a nonlinear narrative. What is the effect of this method of storytelling on the reader? Why might Safran Foer have chosen to construct his narrative in this way?