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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. What is Amanda's job in the Indo Tibetan Circus and Giant Panda Gypsy Blues Band?

2. Why is Amanda worried about Plucky's infiltration of the monks?

3. What does Ziller generally report as his profession on government forms?

4. What position does Marx Marvelous pursue with Amanda and John Paul?

5. After his discharge from the military, what vocation did Plucky explore?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe John Paul's gifts to his wife in the hospital and meaning behind them.

2. Why did Plucky become a drug dealer?

3. How does Marx Marvelous attract John Paul and Amanda's attention?

4. Describe the narrative form of "Another Roadside Attraction."

5. Why is John Paul distracted when he and Amanda begin to restore the shack and how does she feel about it?

6. How does John Paul pay for Amanda's hospitalization?

7. Describe Amanda and John Paul's wedding ceremony.

8. How does Ziller end up joining the Indo-Tibetan Circus?

9. Why is Marx interested in working with John Paul and Amanda?

10. What is significant about the suitcase found in Miami?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does John Paul and Amanda's love for one another reflect upon their individual spiritual beliefs? Compose an essay that analyzes the spiritual aspects of their relationship, including his acceptance of her children, their open sexual nature, and John Paul's decision to commandeer the experimental balloon. Be sure to also discuss how their personal motivations in life affect their ability to live with and without each other. Cite specific examples from the text so support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the government and the church in "Another Roadside Attraction." Discuss how Amanda's discussions with the federal agents and Plucky's encounter with Sister Hillary are reflective of an institution's ability to use innocent people for their own purposes. Finally, analyze the flaws in these systems as presented in this book and how Marx's theories about the downfall of these institutions is slow, yet inevitable.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that analyzes Marx's vision of Jesus Christ and Pan and how this vision is essentially the apex of Marx's journey to discover a new brand of spirituality. Be sure to discuss, as well, the role Tarzan is apparently playing in the spiritual healing of Tibet (per Nearly Normal Jimmy). Develop a clear thesis statement and outline for this essay and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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