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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. At the restaurant, besides Lemongrass Soup, Lionel discovers

2. The one thing Kimmery does not mention about Roshi is

3. After throwing his gun into the sea, Lionel is compelled to

4. Detective Seminole's choice of words, "stumble and wade," suggest

5. When Tony tells Lionel, "Frank Minna was two guys. The one I learned from and the chucklehead who thought you were funny," Lionel realizes.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lionel do for Frank that none of the other Minna Men do, and what does it imply?

2. What does Lionel decide during his phone call with Tony?

3. When he returns from exile, what does Frank tell The Clients?

4. Describe how the conversation with Detective Seminole changes the attitude between Tony and Lionel.

5. What is it about Kimmery's personality that makes Lionel "con-worried?"

6. How does Frank try to change Julia when they marry and return to Brooklyn?

7. Explain Frank Minna's saying, Wheels within wheels.

8. Describe Kimmery in terms of how she fits into the Zen lifestyle and how she doesn't.

9. What clue does Lionel find in the rental car's glove box?

10. What did Lionel sense in the home of The Clients that made him uncomfortable?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the growth of characters throughout the novel, in particular, the Minna Men. Then write an essay in which you discuss how 1) Danny, 2) Gilbert or 3) Tony grew up and how their relationships changed once they began working for Frank Minna. Relate their change and growth to the theme of the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Consider Lionel's characterization throughout the novel as he interacts and responds to others. Write an essay in which you describe the author's characterization of 1) Lionel through his jumbled thoughts, 2) Lionel through his verbal outbursts or 3) Lionel through his reactions to others. Identify three examples of the specific form of characterization to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Lionel identifies almost everything with his Tourette's through tics. Consider the significance of these tics to 1) Lionel's perception of his own identity. 2) the message of MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN or 3) Lionel's perception of the world's view of people with Tourette's. In your essay, describe at least three examples of Lionel's tics, including the situation in which they appear, and explain the significance of each.

(see the answer keys)

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