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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. Which word does Merrick repeat over and over on the train ride back to London?

2. How is the porter treated by Gomm after visiting Merrick's room?

3. What does Treves' supervisor state that Treves needs to increase in order to keep everyone happy?

4. What name does Ross give two handicapped women whose heads rise to points?

5. What is Treves' subject of choice in the hospital?

Short Essay Questions

1. During the one-on-one scene that each high society member has with the audience, what does the Princess of Wales think is the similarity between her husband and Treves?

2. In his discussion about Merrick's death, what argument does Treves make about the human condition?

3. How does Merrick react to the news that Lord John has stolen money from him?

4. How does Mrs. Kendal respond to Treves' proposal that she befriend Merrick?

5. Why does Ross think it is unfair for Merrick to continue living with Treves?

6. How does Merrick react to the news that he will be allowed an indefinite stay at the hospital?

7. How much money does Merrick save while working for Ross, and what happens to that savings?

8. Who is Mrs. Sandwich?

9. During Merrick's dream, why and how do the pinheads return?

10. How does Merrick sleep at night, and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Each of the scenes within the play has its own title. Choose two scenes with particularly memorable titles and explain what themes were presented in that scene. As a reader, how do the scene titles function within the text of the play as a whole?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the course of the play, many characters travel extreme spiritual journeys, relying heavily on the words of wisdom that the Bishop imparts on them. Choose one character who undergoes a spiritual journey and create a time line for that transformation. Then, explain how the spiritual journey relied heavily on their relationship with the Bishop and give an example of one piece of advice the Bishop bestowed upon the character.

Essay Topic 3

The nature of "freak shows" and traveling circuses are explored in the opening scenes of the play. Briefly describe the settings of the freak shows and the way the managers treat their "freak" employees. How does the microcosm of freak shows act as a symbol for the way the entire world views "freaks"?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 930 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample