Bruiser Summary

10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.

Take it one question at a time

1. Question 1

   What is Brewster 'Bruiser' Rawlins' supernatural ability in the book?

   1. He can read minds and predict the future
   2. He absorbs the physical and emotional pain of those he cares about
   3. He can heal others instantly with a touch
   4. He becomes invisible when he feels strong emotions
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   B. He absorbs the physical and emotional pain of those he cares about Brewster's ability is to absorb both physical injuries and emotional pain from people he cares about, which manifests as the injuries appearing on his own body and him experiencing their emotional trauma.

2. Question 2

   Why is Brewster initially voted 'Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty' by his classmates?

   1. Because he has a criminal record for violent offenses
   2. Because he is quiet, isolated, and has a intimidating appearance
   3. Because he threatened another student publicly
   4. Because he comes from a family with a history of crime
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   B. Because he is quiet, isolated, and has a intimidating appearance Brewster is misunderstood by his peers due to his quiet, solitary nature and rough appearance, leading to unfair assumptions and the cruel yearbook title.

3. Question 3

   How does Brontë first become aware of Brewster's unusual ability?

   1. She sees bruises appear on Brewster after she gets hurt
   2. Brewster confesses his secret to her early in their relationship
   3. Her brother Tennyson discovers it through research
   4. She reads about it in Brewster's diary
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   A. She sees bruises appear on Brewster after she gets hurt Brontë notices that minor injuries she sustains heal rapidly, and she later observes corresponding bruises or injuries appearing on Brewster's body, leading her to suspect his ability.

4. Question 4

   What is the primary reason Brewster tries to avoid forming close relationships?

   1. He fears his ability will be exploited by others
   2. He worries that caring for people will cause him to absorb their pain, which could overwhelm him
   3. He believes he is unworthy of friendship due to his family background
   4. He has been instructed by his uncle to remain isolated
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   B. He worries that caring for people will cause him to absorb their pain, which could overwhelm him Brewster's ability activates when he cares about someone, causing him to involuntarily take on their physical and emotional suffering, which has led him to isolate himself as a protective measure.

5. Question 5

   How does Tennyson's attitude toward Brewster change over the course of the story?

   1. He remains suspicious and hostile toward Brewster throughout
   2. He starts as protective and disapproving but grows to understand and respect Brewster
   3. He becomes jealous of Brewster's relationship with Brontë and tries to sabotage it
   4. He ignores Brewster completely until forced to interact by Brontë
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   B. He starts as protective and disapproving but grows to understand and respect Brewster Initially overprotective of his sister Brontë, Tennyson is wary of Brewster but gradually learns about his ability and the burdens he carries, leading to empathy and a shift in their relationship.

6. Question 6

   What significant event causes Brewster to be hospitalized and reveal the extent of his ability to others?

   1. He absorbs a severe injury from Brontë after a car accident
   2. He takes on the pain from multiple people at once during a crisis, leading to critical condition
   3. He is attacked by bullies who discover his secret
   4. He accidentally reveals his ability while trying to help a stranger
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   B. He takes on the pain from multiple people at once during a crisis, leading to critical condition A pivotal moment occurs when Brewster absorbs injuries and emotional trauma from several people he cares about simultaneously, resulting in a life-threatening situation that forces his secret into the open.

7. Question 7

   Which theme is most central to the conflict Brewster faces with his family, particularly his uncle?

   1. The importance of academic achievement and social status
   2. The struggle between using his ability for personal gain versus protecting himself
   3. Exploitation and sacrifice, as his family pressures him to use his ability for their benefit
   4. The challenge of hiding supernatural powers in a normal world
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   C. Exploitation and sacrifice, as his family pressures him to use his ability for their benefit Brewster's uncle and other family members have historically taken advantage of his ability, forcing him to absorb their pain and suffering, which highlights themes of exploitation and the ethics of sacrifice.

8. Question 8

   What literary device is prominently used through the alternating perspectives of Brontë, Tennyson, Brewster, and Cody in the narrative?

   1. Foreshadowing, to hint at future events in the plot
   2. Multiple first-person points of view, to explore different characters' experiences and growth
   3. Third-person omniscient narration, to provide an objective overview
   4. Epistolary format, using letters and diaries to tell the story
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   B. Multiple first-person points of view, to explore different characters' experiences and growth The novel employs multiple first-person narrators—Brontë, Tennyson, Brewster, and his brother Cody—allowing readers to gain insight into each character's thoughts, emotions, and development regarding Brewster's ability.

9. Question 9

   In what way does Cody, Brewster's younger brother, uniquely relate to Brewster's ability?

   1. Cody is immune to Brewster's ability and cannot be affected by it
   2. Cody has a similar ability but in reverse, causing pain to others
   3. Cody is aware of and deeply affected by the burden Brewster carries, often trying to protect him
   4. Cody exploits Brewster's ability for his own benefit without remorse
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   C. Cody is aware of and deeply affected by the burden Brewster carries, often trying to protect him Cody, as Brewster's brother, is acutely aware of the physical and emotional toll of Brewster's ability. He often attempts to shield Brewster from additional pain, showing a protective and empathetic relationship.

10. Question 10

    How does the resolution of the novel address the ethical dilemma of Brewster's ability?

    1. Brewster learns to control his ability completely, using it only when he chooses
    2. Brewster decides to isolate himself permanently to avoid hurting others
    3. The characters reach an understanding that involves setting boundaries and shared responsibility, rather than Brewster bearing all the pain alone
    4. Brewster's ability is magically removed, returning him to a normal life
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    C. The characters reach an understanding that involves setting boundaries and shared responsibility, rather than Brewster bearing all the pain alone The story concludes with a nuanced resolution where Brewster, Brontë, Tennyson, and others acknowledge the complexity of his ability. They work towards a balance where Brewster is not solely responsible for absorbing pain, emphasizing themes of empathy, connection, and mutual support.