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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 event causes Everett to spiral into depression and misery in Book Five?

2. What scheme does T Bar having for making millions of dollars?

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

4. What addition to the Chance family and friends from Camas intimidates Major Keys?

5. What Major League team does Hugh get the chance to pitch a few games for during his tenure with the Tugboats?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Everett witness that causes his epiphany and prompts him to pack up everything and return to his family in Camas?

3. What secret about Linda does Bet reveal to Kincaid in Book Five?

4. What causes Winnifred, or Freddy, to become upset at Sunday School with Mrs. Babcock and to begin quoting Muhammad?

5. What does Laura plan to do at church in Chapter 8, and what ends up happening instead?

6. How is Everett's attitude in regards to his imprisonment?

7. What reason does Natasha give to Everett for not wanting to sleep after their coffee date in Book Four?

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

9. What piece of pitching advice does Freddy recite at Hugh's wake?

10. What does Kincaid dream about on their journey home in Book Six that startles and scares him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Duty is a theme throughout The Brothers K. Discuss three different characters' views of duty and how it is exhibited by their statements and actions. Based on these accounts of duty, does Duncan create an overarching definition of duty?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In The Brothers K a lot of focus is given to the issues of right versus wrong. Using specific characters and situations, discuss how Duncan highlights this dichotomy and specifically how the idea of right versus wrong relates to good versus evil.

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