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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Treves argue is the attractive element of Merrick's character?

2. Who discovers that Merrick has died?

3. Who reads Treves the letter written after Merrick's death?

4. What does Merrick read in the bible that makes him excited to die?

5. What reason does Treves give the audience for not wanting Mrs. Kendal to return to the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Merrick's death has particular significance in that the pinheads were involved in it. Explain how the pinheads urged Merrick to his death and what the symbolic importance of the pinheads' involvement in the death is.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, John Merrick endures the abuses of many outside forces. Choose two abusers who deeply impacted John Merrick's life, describe their abuses, and then describe Merrick's reaction to the abuse. How does Merrick's reaction to the abuse give the reader deeper insight into his character?

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This section contains 331 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample