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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. Who is Max?

2. What does Levi suggest Christina do?

3. Why is Levi getting invited to a lot of end-of-the-year parties?

4. What does Levi say Boaz used to have?

5. How does Boaz act on his leaves while in the military?

Short Essay Questions

1. How long does Boaz stay in his room and what does Levi say to Zim's desire to see Boaz?

2. What is Levi doing when Boaz comes home and how does the family greet him?

3. What happens when Amanda spots the sign honoring Boaz?

4. Describe the conversation between Dov and Levi about Boaz.

5. How does Boaz act at dinner and what does he do after he's done eating?

6. What did Levi do as a child when he'd wake in the middle of the night and what does he do now since Boaz is back home?

7. Who comes to spend Shabbat with Levi's family and what is he like?

8. How is Levi conflicted about Boaz and who has he told?

9. What happened the night Boaz announces to the family of his intention to join the military?

10. What does Boaz say he is going to do that Abba and Dov think is good, and why does Levi think Boaz is lying?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over the course of The Things a Brother Knows, Levi grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. The Things a Brother Knows might be considered a slice of Levi's larger story of his "coming of age." It might be said that The Things a Brother Knows is a "bildungsroman" of Levi Katznelson. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Levi as he changes from a more carefree, innocent boy to a wiser, young man. What are the significant events that change Levi?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Levi's growth throughout The Things a Brother Knows, do you think The Things a Brother Knows could be considered Levi's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in The Things a Brother Knows who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Things a Brother Knows.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Things a Brother Knows. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of The Things a Brother Knows. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss The Things a Brother Knows based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if The Things a Brother Knows is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider The Things a Brother Knows a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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