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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 Boaz suggest Levi does?

2. Who knocks on the motel door the next morning?

3. Where do Levi and Boaz arrive to find a welcoming banner?

4. Why does Levi go down to the basement of Celine's aunt's house that night?

5. Why does Levi call Christina early the next morning?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Loren respond to Levi saying he just wants Boaz to come home?

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

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

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

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

7. What does Levi do in Boaz's room and what action does he decide to take?

8. Where is Boaz headed first?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Seventeen-year-old Levi's older brother is coming home after three years in the service and serving in the war. Levi is cautious with his feelings. He used to look up to his brother, but Boaz' decision to join the military has had a very negative impact on the family. Levi doesn't understand the war, why it was necessary or why his brother would volunteer to be part of it.

It is obvious that Levi harbors a good deal of bitterness about his brother's decision. His mother has been worrying non-stop for three years. Levi thinks deep down that Boaz' decision was selfish.

1. Discuss the impact Boaz joining the Marines had on his family. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss the reasons Boaz might have volunteered for the Marines and the reasons Levi might not agree with the war. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think Boaz was selfish for joining the military? Why or why not? Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

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

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as The Things a Brother Knows help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Things a Brother Knows? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Things a Brother Knows to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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