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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 Everett call Hugh's fastball?

2. Who witnesses the death of Grandawma?

3. What does Grandawma think Hugh's new thumb resembles?

4. Who is the grammar teacher that has each of the Chance kids for class?

5. Why does Brother Beal call Irwin, "Iron Man Irwin"?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Kincaid in Book One, what causes Papa to start up smoking again after he had quit?

2. How does Everett's appearance change after Laura stops doing his domestic duties?

3. How does Laura respond to the apology and gifts from Peter, Everett, and Kincaid in Book Three?

4. What did Hugh wear while practicing pitching in the shed?

5. As Peter begins to ask and contemplate deep questions in Book Two, where does he turn to seek answers?

6. As the Chance boys watch their father practice pitching and working against his handicap, what do they learn?

7. What reason does Papa give for Mama expecting twins in Chapter 1?

8. How does Peter's appearance change after Laura stops doing his domestic duties?

9. Why does Irwin cuss around Everett?

10. What political figure does Kincaid compare Laura and "her Bible" to in Book Three and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of love is central to The Brothers K and has many manifestations. Compare and contrast two approaches to the idea of "what is love" as evidenced by the following characters:

a) Hugh's love for Laura throughout their courtship and marriage

b) Irwin's love of Jesus and God

c) Everett's love for Tasha

d) Bet and Freddy's love for Grandawma

e) Kincaid's love for Hugh

f) Laura's love for Everett

Essay Topic 2

In The Brothers K a lot of focus is given to the issues of right versus wrong. Using specific characters and situations, discuss how Duncan highlights this dichotomy and specifically how the idea of right versus wrong relates to good versus evil.

Essay Topic 3

One of the strongest literary tools employed by Duncan in The Brothers K is the use of paradox and irony. Give examples of where Duncan has employed verbal or situational irony and discuss in detail how this use of irony has furthered the plot, developed characters, or strengthened a theme.

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This section contains 822 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample