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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 Merrick describe his mother to Mrs. Kendal?

2. Which of the following Shakespearean plays is Mrs. Kendal performing in during the time she first meets Merrick?

3. How do Ross and Merrick part ways for the final time?

4. Which of the following best describes Treves' first conversation with Mrs. Kendal?

5. What does The Princess of Wales call Merrick?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways does role reversal come into play when Treves has a dream about the freak show?

2. Why does Lord John come begging for money from Treves?

3. What information about his mother does Merrick give to Mrs. Kendal upon their first meeting?

4. How does Merrick feel about the attention he is receiving for his artistic abilities?

5. During his analysis of Treves' body, what notes does Merrick make about Treves' left hand?

6. What happens when Treves is finally enlightened and thinks of something worthwhile that he would like to print in the letter to the editor?

7. What event is happening outside of Merrick's window when a talkative nursing attendant brings Merrick his lunch upon the completion of Merrick's model church?

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

9. Why has Treves moved to London?

10. How does Merrick spend the few moments directly before he dies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The medical community in London has varying views on John Merrick and his condition. Choose two characters who provide opposite beliefs about John Merrick's condition and describe each side of their argument. How does the medical debate over John Merrick's condition culminate in the climax of the play?

Essay Topic 2

Toward the end of his life, Merrick becomes almost obsessed with reading the bible and some of the passages in it. Describe Merrick's relationship with the bible and explain why he rereads the same passages over and over. Finally, explain what two of the passages from the bible that Merrick reads mean to him during his life, while he is alive.

Essay Topic 3

There is much argument at the end of the novel as to whether or not Merrick wanted, and chose, to die. Explain the arguments for both sides of the debate, citing evidence presented in the text, and then explain which argument you side with and why.

(see the answer keys)

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