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

Short Answer Questions

1. While Merrick is in his meeting with the Bishop, what are Gomm and Treves discussing in the next room?

2. How does Treves argue that people feel when they see themselves reflected in Merrick?

3. In the letter, what does Gomm thank the newspaper for?

4. What does Treves believe has happened to Merrick as he has become more physically deformed?

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

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

The nature of "freak shows" and traveling circuses are explored in the opening scenes of the play. Briefly describe the settings of the freak shows and the way the managers treat their "freak" employees. How does the microcosm of freak shows act as a symbol for the way the entire world views "freaks"?

Essay Topic 3

Each of the scenes within the play has its own title. Choose two scenes with particularly memorable titles and explain what themes were presented in that scene. As a reader, how do the scene titles function within the text of the play as a whole?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 341 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample