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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 makes Boaz and Jack laugh until they cry?

2. What does Pearl ask Levi concerning Boaz as they are driving?

3. Why does the family have a special dinner?

4. What does Maria ask Boaz and Levi to do with her?

5. Why is Boaz irritated at Levi after Dov calls?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Boaz say about why he walks?

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

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

4. How does Boaz act towards Levi at dinner after Levi confronts Boaz and what happens the next morning?

5. Where is Boaz headed first?

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

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

8. What does Celine say to Levi about her brother?

9. Describe Levi's conversation with Christina.

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

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

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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