View a FREE sample

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 ask back from Boaz?

2. To whom does Levi sneak a call to the next day?

3. What does Christina say about Boaz's problem?

4. Where does Levi ask about Boaz in Ridgewood?

5. What happened once when Boaz was riding in a Humvee?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where is Boaz headed first?

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

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

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

6. Describe Levi's conversation with Christina.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Levi senses that his parents are too close to the situation and too emotional to help Boaz. He has growing concerns about Boaz. He thinks he is planning something and, given his psychological state, Levi fears that it could be disastrous. He knows that it's very unhealthy for Boaz to be isolating himself. His parents and grandparents are in denial. Even though Levi has some feelings of envy and bitterness about his brother who has always gotten more attention than he has, at least in his mind, Levi is showing how much he cares for his brother.

1. Do you think Levi's parents' emotions could be affecting their judgment? How could that happen? Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss the problems that could occur from Boaz isolating himself. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

3. Why do you think Levi might envy his brother? Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,301 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample