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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. How does Arty get rid of Dr. Phyllis' followers?

2. Whose lengthy quotes are used to supplement information for the scrapbook collection of chapter 19?

3. How does Oly calm herself when she thinks that she does not have the courage to continue with her plan?

4. How does Lil react when Oly tells her that the family is "dead and gone"?

5. How does Miss Lick react when Oly comes back to visit her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Mumpo.

2. Chapter 19 is more like a scrapbook than typical prose. Name two devices employed, and briefly explain the significance of this unique chapter.

3. How was the Bag Man affected, mentally and physically, by his wife divorcing him?

4. What does Norval report the followers are doing to survive, and how does Arty address this issue?

5. What does Oly see when she hears Chick, Lil, and the twins screaming in the van?

6. How does Arty react to Oly's pregnancy?

7. How has Miss Lick gotten the video footage of Miranda?

8. How does Chick react to the scene in the twins' van?

9. What are Dr. Phyllis' reasons for wanting to create a new method of surgeries for the Admitted?

10. Who is the Pin Kid, and what happens to him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Arty has a very strange relationship with women. Even though he treats everyone in his life poorly, his relationships with women seems particularly damaged. In an essay, compare/contrast Arty's relationships with his various sisters and explore his relationship with Lil. How might his relationship with his mother have affected his other relationships? Consider the business relationship that Arty has with Dr. Phyllis versus the business relationships that he has with the men he employs - particularly Zephr McGurk and Vern Bogner.

Essay Topic 2

The point of view within the novel shifts between Oly's perspective and Norval Sanderson's perspective. In an essay, explain what you have learned from Oly Binewski's perspective of the events and what you have learned from Norval Sanderson's perspective of the events. Why do you think it was important for Katherine Dunn to explore the story through different perspectives?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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