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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 does Everett burn after he struggles to recapture his joy of reading in Book Five?

2. What is unique about Hugh's last pitch?

3. Who offers the prayer at Hugh's wake?

4. How old is Linda when she marries Irwin?

5. What is the name of the woman whom Kincaid falls in love with in Book Five?

Short Essay Questions

1. After going into hiding after burning his draft card, which event causes Everett to question his identity and value?

2. What tradition do Peter and Everett have that was inspired by the Glass brothers in Salinger's novel Franny & Zooey?

3. What horrible event in Linda's past makes her afraid to live alone after Irwin leaves for the army?

4. When Everett receives Natasha's letter proclaiming her love, how does he respond?

5. What secret does Bet confide to Everett in her first letter in Book Six?

6. What event heals the relationship between Everett and his mother in Book Five?

7. How does Everett's 211 page letter eventually reach Natasha?

8. How does Natasha respond to Everett's public debate with Dr. Gurtzner?

9. Why does Major Keys think that Irwin is a difficult and stubborn case?

10. Why does Peter refuse to buy back his manuscripts in Book Five?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the novel Laura's views of her religion and her fervor towards it change drastically; however, Hugh's views of her religion remain somewhat the same. Discuss the dichotomy of how these views differ and how they reflect upon the character that holds them.

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

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

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