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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. Why does Charles hand over his video camera?

2. What is the origin of the quote Ange mentions at the party?

3. What do Masha and Marcus have in common?

4. Where does Marcus' family go after his father hears the story?

5. What do Masha and Marcus do to not attract attention?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Ange and Marcus upset and what do they decide to do about it?

2. What happens as a result of the press conference?

3. What do Marcus and Ange explain to Barbara and why can she related to what they say?

4. How is Marcus rescued by the California Highway Patrol?

5. How does Marcus realize that the quote Ange said at the party is not spoken by Ange spontaneously the night of the party?

6. What happens when Marcus tells the participants of the VampMob to pretend to be gassed when the police come?

7. What format do Marcus and Ange use to hold a "press" conference?

8. Who catches Marcus before the real gas falls and how does she save him from Charles?

9. What does Barbara ask of Marcus and Ange and what does she explain to Marcus?

10. What does Ange say when Marcus tells her about the information he receives from Marsha?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The judge who arraigns Marcus seems to be highly respectful of what the teen has done. As he sends the boy home with his parents, the judge tells Marcus to stay out of trouble. One disappointment in the conclusion of the novel is that the lady responsible for most of Marcus' torture is not convicted of any crimes. She will not speak in court. Special closed military tribunals are set up by the government to try those who worked in the Treasure Island prison. In these hearings, Johnstone is cleared of wrongdoing. Marcus and more than 20,000 others file civil suits against the government.

1. Do you think Marcus was right in what he did? Why or why not?Use examples from your own life and Little Brother to support your reasoning.

2. Why do you think Carrie Johnstone was not charged with any crime? Do you think that was unjust? Why or why not? Use examples from your own life and "Little Brother" to support your reasoning.

3. Discuss the similarities between the behavior of the DHS in this book and the behavior of the German government during the Nazis era. (Some research may be required). Use examples from your own life and "Little Brother" to support your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Little Brother". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Doctorow chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Doctorow chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Doctorow's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Doctorow use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Little Brother" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Little Brother"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Little Brother" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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