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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. What emotions does John say he feels from the prisoners?

2. When did John realize the effect of Garth's death on Robby?

3. How old is Jamila when she visits Robby in prison?

4. What were prisoners prevented from doing after the revolt, according to John?

5. How does John characterize Western State Penitentiary?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way is John on the run as much as Robby is?

2. How does John say he and his family are treated at the penitentiary?

3. What happened to Robby that he was wanted by the police?

4. What happened after Robby's arrest?

5. Who travels to the prison to visit Robby?

6. How does John characterize the waiting room?

7. Who is Garth, and what was his importance in Robby's life?

8. Describe the style and format of 'Brothers and Keepers'.

9. Describe John's visit with Robby.

10. How does Robby characterize himself as a young man?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of family in the relationship between John and Robby? Who else participates in their relationship, and who is instrumental in keeping their relationship going? How is John's solo visit to see Robby different from his visits with Judy and Jamila?

Essay Topic 2

In what way are John and Robby American? What part of their experience is essentially American, and what other parts of their experiences are not typically American? What nationality or identity do they partake of if they are not American?

Essay Topic 3

What is John's relationship with his blackness? When does he feel most black? When does he feel least black? What does his experience tell us about being black in America? How is his relationship with his blackness different from Robby's?

(see the answer keys)

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