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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. Why does Levi know he has found the right man when Pearl and Levi go into an apartment at their destination?

2. How does Levi react in Jack Bradford's room?

3. What makes Boaz and Jack laugh until they cry?

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

5. Where does Pearl drive Levi?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Levi calculate and decide to do?

2. What do Levi and Boaz find at their stop in Riverside, New Jersey?

3. What story does Boaz tell the crowd at the Vietnam Memorial?

4. What does Boaz say about why he walks?

5. Describe Levi's conversation with Christina.

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

7. Where is Boaz headed first?

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

9. Where does Levi go when he splits off from Jack and Boaz and who does he meet?

10. What happens when a Toyota truck goes speeding by Boaz and Levi as they are walking?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Adjusting to life as a civilian is difficult for Boaz. He stays in his room and sleeps, but he is probably just avoiding talking about his experience. He's not ready to discuss it yet. But his silence, just like his military service, is impacting the family. His mother is worried, but keeps reminding herself that at least he's home. Abba doesn't understand why his son is isolating himself and isn't just his old self. Levi is confused and hurt. Boaz's apparent depression is making Levi feel guilty.

1. Discuss why adjusting to civilian life might be difficult for Boaz. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

2. How do you think Boaz's silence is affecting his family? Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

3. Compare Boaz's parents reactions to his behavior and why you think his mother and father are reacting differently. 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

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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