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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 is Irwin's nickname among his family?

2. Which classmate of Kincaid's has a hair lip that causes a speech impediment?

3. Who is Grandawma's hero?

4. What is the name of the baseball scout that signs Hugh?

5. What does Officer Hervano give to Irwin after he rescues the dog in Book Two?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Hugh compare devotion to professional baseball to devotion to religion?

2. Why does Hugh excuse Irwin from the room when he talks to the boys alone at the end of Book Two?

3. Why does Hugh tell Kincaid it is nonsense to paint a strike zone in his practice bullpen?

4. What is Peter's opinion on miracles?

5. As Peter begins to ask and contemplate deep questions in Book Two, where does he turn to seek answers?

6. What do the Twins do for Grandawma as a token of their love and affection after she dies?

7. How do the boys name the pitches their father practices in Book Two?

8. How did Papa lose his thumb?

9. Why do some players call Papa "Smoke"?

10. Why doesn't Kincaid go to church with his Mama and siblings in Book One, Chapter 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the dramatic structure of The Brothers K. Use textual evidence to designate the expository, rising action, the climax, falling action, and denouement.

Essay Topic 2

One of the strongest literary tools employed by Duncan in The Brothers K is the use of paradox and irony. Give examples of where Duncan has employed verbal or situational irony and discuss in detail how this use of irony has furthered the plot, developed characters, or strengthened a theme.

Essay Topic 3

In the novel Kincaid makes this statement about Hugh, "Papa didn't cures: his whole art is control." Explain what Kincaid meant by this statement and how it coincides with the character of Hugh in the novel. Do you believe it is an accurate statement? Why or why not?

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