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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 is Oly's birth defect?

2. Who hires Dr. Phyllis to stay on full time?

3. How is Alma Witherspoon described?

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

5. Where do the twins hide on their birthday?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Oly feel guilty after her performance at Miranda's work?

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

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

4. Describe Arty's appearance.

5. How does Arty begin drawing larger crowds to his shows?

6. Why is Chick almost abandoned by the Binewski family?

7. Who is Alma Witherspoon?

8. Why does Oly visit Miranda in her apartment?

9. What does Oly keep in the chest in her apartment?

10. What is on Miss Lick's home videos?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Al Binewski has strict rules that the children are to be kept separate from the outside world. There are many reasons for these rules. In an essay, describe two of the reasons why Al may have wanted to keep his children hidden from the townsfolk. Describe two incidents in which the children do come into contact with outsiders, and the outcome of those meetings, and describe the way that isolation has affected one, or more, of the Binewski children.

Essay Topic 3

The picture of Oly's relationship with her mother changes drastically in the first two chapters of the novel - the first chapter addresses Oly's relationship with Lil when Oly is a child, and the second chapter addresses Oly's relationship with her mother as an adult. In an essay, compare and contrast these two relationships explaining why you think the relationship has changed. Which picture of the mother-daughter relationship is healthier?

(see the answer keys)

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