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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 do the Professor and observer request to do to one of the whooping cranes in Chapter 94?

2. Carnival season takes place just before what holiday?

3. Some how many thousand years ago did the North American continent "finally get up the nerve to kick the last of the glaciers out of its parlor"?

4. What do the Clock People not believe in?

5. What does Robbins write is now a roadside zoo in Chapter 95?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Sissy feel to be back on the ranch in Part Five?

2. What does Dr. Goldman decide after Sissy's evaluation in Part Four?

3. When Sissy goes to see the Chink in Part Five, what takes place on the ranch?

4. What is Robbins representing symbolically by the confrontations of Sissy in Part Five, with the Countess and Julian?

5. What does the Chink teach Sissy about nature in Part Four?

6. What does the Chink tell Sissy of the role of women in religion in Part Four?

7. What is the state of Sissy at the end of the novel? What are her plans for the future?

8. What are society's standards regarding Sissy's relationships with Jellybean and the Chink?

9. What confrontation takes place between Dr. Goldman and Dr. Robbins in Part Four, regarding Sissy?

10. Why does Julian take Sissy to see a doctor in Part Four? What is his initial reaction to Julian's concerns?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of gender equality and women's empowerment in the novel. How does Robbins illustrate this theme through symbolism?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Robbins' use of simile, metaphor, and personification. What does the fact that Robbins is known for his use of metaphor refer to from the text? Define the terms in your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the symbolic and thematic meaning behind Sissy's thumbs in the novel. What larger concept does the author use them to represent? How?

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