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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 Levi decide to do to show support?

2. What is the reason Boaz says he walks instead of rides?

3. What does Levi realize when he sees his mother crying at the school sign?

4. Where does Levi think they ultimately are going?

5. Where does Levi calculate Boaz will head next?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Levi is out jogging and finds his mother?

2. What does Loren call to tell Levi the day before Levi leaves in search of Boaz?

3. Why have Zim and Pearl shown up at the motel room in Philadelphia?

4. Describe Levi's conversation with Christina.

5. Who do Pearl and Levi go to see in Poughkeepsie and how does Levi know they are at the right place?

6. Why does Levi sneak a call to Pearl and what does he learn?

7. What do Celine and Levi discuss about their brothers?

8. What enrages Levi so much that he goes up and pounds on Boaz's bedroom door and what happens?

9. How is Levi surprised when they arrive at Celine's aunt's house in Edgewood?

10. What does Boaz say about why he walks?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Things a Brother Knows. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Reinhardt chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Reinhardt chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Reinhardt's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc.) and how they add or detract from the story. Does Reinhardt use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, or theme).

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes The Things a Brother Knows interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Levi. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Boaz. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Amanda. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,281 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample