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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. How does Laura punish Peter, Everett, and Kincaid after the Psalm War?

2. What is the name of the ladies' hair parlor that Marvin set up?

3. What does Peter give his mother as part of an apology in Book Three?

4. What does Kincaid give his mother in token of his apology in Book Three?

5. What does Everett call Hugh's fastball?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Peter's opinion on miracles?

3. According to Kincaid in Book One, what causes Papa to start up smoking again after he had quit?

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

5. Why does Laura take a job making fake meat from soy beans in Book One?

6. What did Hugh wear while practicing pitching in the shed?

7. How does Laura react to the ultimatum that Hugh gives her at the end of Book Three about her treatment of Peter, Everett, and Kincaid?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel Laura and Everett's relationship changes dramatically several times. Using textual examples describe how the shifts in their relationship resonate with the themes of love, judgment, and redemption.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout The Brothers K, Peter and Everett specifically go through a growth and maturing process due to the experiences they undergo. Using at least two specific examples from the text, discuss how Duncan illustrates this growth and maturing process and how it is central to the overarching theme of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Duncan utilizes the literary device of hyperbole extensively throughout The Brothers K. Using at least three textual examples, describe how Duncan uses hyperbole, how it contributes to characterizations or pacing, and whether or not it is effective.

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