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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 privilege does Hugh give the boys after his fight with Laura at the end of Book Two?

2. How does Mama react to Irwin's prayer at the supper table in Book Two?

3. What religion is Julie, Peter's high school girlfriend?

4. What position does Hugh think that Everett should play?

5. What ongoing activity does Irwin begin with Doc Franken while the Chance boys work on landscaping his lot?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Kincaid keep refusing to learn the memory verse in Book One?

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

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

5. What reason does Papa give for Mama expecting twins in Chapter 1?

6. What political figure does Kincaid compare Laura and "her Bible" to in Book Three and why?

7. How does Laura respond to the apology and gifts from Peter, Everett, and Kincaid in Book Three?

8. Why are Irwin and the twins nonplussed by the "incriminating evidence" Elder Babcock and Laura show them against Peter, Everett, and Kincaid?

9. What is revealed about the role that Everett and Irwin play within the Chance family during their conversations at the hedge in Book Two?

10. What do the boys make a pact to pray for at the end of Book Two?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is David James Duncan's writing style? Discuss both the mechanical aspect of his writing and his "voice" throughout the novel. Make sure to discuss what literary tools and devices he relies on most and what specific parts of the text reflect his voice.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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