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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which word is the nursing attendant struggling to remember when he leaves Merrick's room abruptly?

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

3. While Treves is sleeping, what part about him does Merrick analyze?

4. During his analysis of Treves, what does Merrick decide Treves is completely unable to reach in his relationships with other people?

5. In the dream, what does Gomm say about "good men"?

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

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?

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.

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