View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Oly keep in the chest hidden in her apartment?

2. What does Arty begin predicting in his act in an attempt to draw larger crowds?

3. What is Elly's birth defect?

4. What is the name of the new religion introduced in the middle of the novel?

5. What is the Geek's job in the circus?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lil Binewski do that is unusual during her pregnancies?

2. What happens between Arty and Chick when Oly sneaks off to listen to a story, leaving Chick unsupervised?

3. Why is Dr. Phyllis' hiring significant in Arty's climb to power?

4. Why does Al choose to keep the children separate from the rest of the town folk?

5. What is the significance of Mariposa and her horse's accident?

6. Who is Leona, and what happened to her?

7. What happens when Arty asks Chick to make him a roast beef sandwich?

8. What happens to the Binewski family in the parking lot of the shopping center?

9. Who is Alma Witherspoon?

10. Describe Olympia's appearance.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Arturism is the cult that Arty starts for his followers which seems very similar to the unusual hobby of Miss Lick. In an essay, explain the beliefs of Arturism and the process that followers must adhere in order to be accepted. Why is Alma Witherspoon's reaction to the process vital to Arty's rise in power? How does Arturism compare to what is seen on Miss Lick's home flicks?

Essay Topic 2

The grounds of the Fabulon are integral to the progression of events within the story. In an essay, describe the physical layout of the fairgrounds. Did the Binewski children have a sense of "home" even though they were constantly moving? How do you think this element of security affects Oly when she becomes an adult? Further explore the ways that the constantly moving setting of the fairgrounds acted as machine for the progression of events.

Essay Topic 3

It seems that the lifestyle of the Binewski family is almost addicting. To the outsider, life within a circus may seem daunting or bizarre, but once these outsiders have experienced the community, many of the characters chose not to leave. Choose one character who was not initially a member of the Binewski family and describe the events that led him/her to be a permanent member of the cast or crew. What characteristics within the family dynamics or circus lifestyle may be appealing to an outsider? Why does the desire to belong affect the members of the Admitted and how does Arty exploits this mentality?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 879 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample