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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 does Miranda ask Oly to do for her?

2. How do the Binewski children interact with each other?

3. What do the twins experience for the first time on their 14th birthday?

4. What sick animal does Arty give to the twins for their 14th birthday?

5. What does Lillian say is the greatest gift a parent can give to their children?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the family realize that Chick has special powers?

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

3. Who is Alma Witherspoon?

4. How is the twins' sick horse healed?

5. Describe how we first see Oly's adult life.

6. Describe Arty's appearance.

7. Why does Oly visit Miranda in her apartment?

8. What happens when the children are brought to the hospital?

9. How does Oly gain access to Miss Lick's life?

10. Describe the invention that Zephr McGurk brings to Arty.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Self-acceptance is a theme that runs throughout the entire novel and may essentially be the moral of this story. In an essay, discuss the ways that Oly has overcome her hurdles to accept her body. Explain the ways that Arty's refusal to accept himself led to some of his decisions, and

explain how you think the Binewski parents have helped/hindered their children in the road toward self-acceptance.

Essay Topic 3

The final scene of the novel has to do with Oly's sacrifice in the name of love. In an essay, explore the reasons behind Oly's obsession with Miss Lick and why she believed that killing her was the only answer. How is the love in Oly's relationship with Miss Lick similar or different to the love in Oly's relationship with Miranda? Was Oly's sacrifice was "worth it" in the end?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 810 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample