Two Brothers by Leo Tolstoy

Based on the text, The Two Brothers, which brother does not want to go on the adventure that the stone promises them?

• the older brother

• the younger brother

• neither brother believes the words on the stone

• both brothers are excited to go on an adventure together

In the story, The Two Brothers, the setting- the forest, the river, the bears, and the mountain all represent danger to the elder brother. What does his reaction to these natural features tell you about him?

• He likes to make excuses.

• He is a very cautious person.

• He is too old to have fun.

• He acts without thinking.

Which summary is best for the text, "The Two Brothers"?

• In "The Two Brothers, there are two cousins that get lost in the woods. They do lots of fun things in the afternoon. They swim in a river, play with bear cubs, hike the mountains, and find happiness together. They do everything together and enjoy the time they spend with one another.

• In "The Two Brothers, the two brothers stumble over a stone. The younger brother insists that it is not safe to follow the words on this stone. The elder brother laughed at him and convinced him to be adventurous. They follow the stone's advice and make a great memory together.

• "The Two Brothers, the two brothers found a stone that explained the steps towards happiness. One brother followed the advice and the other didn't. They did not see each other for six years. When they reunited, they both agreed that the elder brother was the smarter of the two men and that the younger brother made the wrong decision.

• In "The Two Brothers", the two brothers find a mysterious stone that tells them to go into the forest, swim across a river, take a baby bear, go over the mountain, and eventually find a house and happiness. The younger brother wanted to go and the older brother didn't so, the younger brother completes all of the tasks alone. Five years later, his village is conquered and he escapes and reunites with the older brother. They both think that they chose the right path because they decided what was best for their personalities.

How do the two brothers resolve their conflict?

• The younger brother gave up and followed the other brother's lead.

• They both followed their hearts and went their separate ways.

• The older brother got mad at the younger brother.

• Neither of them got to do what they wanted.

The elder brother has many concerns about the words written on the stones. Which is NOT a concern that the older brother has?

• Suppose we go into the forest and night comes, and we cannot find the river. We shall be lost.

• We could not run up a mountain without stopping to rest.

• Do you think it will be an easy thing to take her cub away from a she-bear?

• If we do not go, someone else will read the inscription on the stone and find happiness.

The setting is symbolic of the two brothers' personalities. Which answer best represents this symbolism?

• The older brother is like the river; carefree and ever-changing. The younger brother is like the mountain; steadfast and set in his ways.

• They are both like the river as they believe that life should be full of exciting twists and turns.

• The older brother is like the mountain; he is reliable and set in his ways. The younger brother is like the river; carefree and ever-changing.

• Nature is not used in symbolism.

Consider what the writer might be saying about the choices people make. Which statement best expresses the main theme of the entire story?

• Older siblings are often right.

• There is only one right way to be happy.

• Individuals must decide what is right for them and what makes them truly happy.

• Treat nature with respect.

He represents conservative thought, people who are happy with what they have. They don't need to seek unnecessary risks or seek glory.

• Elder Brother

• Younger Brother

He represents risk takers who set high goals for themselves and are willing to pursue dreams.

• Elder Brother

• Younger Brother

Select a statement that proves that the older brother had no intention of following what was written on the stone.

• "I was right. Here I have lived quietly and well, while you, though you may have been a king, have seen a great deal of trouble."

• No one can know whether what is written on this stone is the truth -- perhaps it was written in jest.

• No harm will come to us if we try.