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. Which ailment of age does NOT affect Crystal Lil?

2. What do Al and Lil believe about their children?

3. Who is the first Binewski child to earn their own van?

4. What is surprising to Oly about Miranda?

5. Who is Miranda?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe how we first see Oly's adult life.

2. How is the twins' sick horse healed?

3. How does Arty begin drawing larger crowds to his shows?

4. What happens when Al takes Chick into town?

5. Describe Arty's appearance.

6. What happens when the children hide out in a cherry tree?

7. What significant event happens on the twins' 14th birthday?

8. Who is Leona, and what happened to her?

9. Why does Oly feel guilty after her performance at Miranda's work?

10. How does the family realize that Chick has special powers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It seems that the lifestyle of the Binewski family is almost addicting. To the outsider, life within a circus may seem daunting or bizarre, but once these outsiders have experienced the community, many of the characters chose not to leave. Choose one character who was not initially a member of the Binewski family and describe the events that led him/her to be a permanent member of the cast or crew. What characteristics within the family dynamics or circus lifestyle may be appealing to an outsider? Why does the desire to belong affect the members of the Admitted and how does Arty exploits this mentality?

Essay Topic 2

Jealousy plays a large role in the relationships between the siblings. Choose two siblings and, in an essay, explore the way that jealousy has pervaded their relationship. Discuss the reasons why you think jealousy has become such a large part of these family dynamics, and explain how the Binewski family's system of value has played into the jealousy between siblings.

Essay Topic 3

Arty's relationship with Chick changes as Arty realizes his power. In an essay, analyze the progression of Arty's view of Chick from his infancy to his death as well as the progression of Chick's view of Arty during the same time period. What elements have affected each brother's views of the other over the course of the novel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 811 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample