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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 do things go between Boaz and Levi over the next two days?

2. Where does Levi tell Celine he is when he calls her?

3. What do Levi, Boaz and Dov order at a restaurant?

4. What does Boaz decline to take from Dov?

5. What does Celine tell Levi she thought he was going to do the night before?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Boaz say about why he walks?

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

4. Who arrives just as Levi is wondering about her and what does she decide to do?

5. Where is Boaz headed first?

6. Why does Levi shave his head?

7. What does Jack decide to do and why is that a major decision?

8. What happens when Levi follows Boaz after Boaz leaves the restaurant?

9. What does Levi first think when he and the others arrive at the Vietnam Memorial?

10. What does Levi calculate and decide to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in The Things a Brother Knows. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in The Things a Brother Knows. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme family in The Things a Brother Knows. Consider family as not only those related by blood but also those related by friendship bonds.

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Levi and Boaz. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Levi and Zim. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in The Things a Brother Knows help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Things a Brother Knows, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Things a Brother Knows. (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not? Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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