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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. Aside from journal entries, what type of documentation is utilized in the scrapbook collection of chapter 19?

2. Who kills Elly?

3. How does Norval Sanderson claim he lost his body part?

4. What does Oly pour in the steam room tubes?

5. How old is Miranda when Arty first visits her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Oly kill Miss Lick?

2. What is the Transcendental Maggot booth?

3. Explain the process of tithing in Arturism and the significance of calling this process "tithing."

4. What body part does Norval Sanderson gift to Arty, and what are the stories surrounding this body part?

5. How does Oly kill Miss Lick?

6. What does Norval report the followers are doing to survive, and how does Arty address this issue?

7. How does Chick react to the scene in the twins' van?

8. What affect does Norval Sanderson have on Arturism?

9. Chapter 19 is more like a scrapbook than typical prose. Name two devices employed, and briefly explain the significance of this unique chapter.

10. What are Dr. Phyllis' reasons for wanting to create a new method of surgeries for the Admitted?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Bag Man's arrival to the Binewski Fabulon is a highly significant event. It is as unexpected as it disturbing. In an essay, explain what you know about the course of the Bag Man's life and why he has sought out a job from Arty. Why you believe Arty chose to hire the Bag Man? The Bag Man expresses that he didn't want his children to become freaks. Explain how his actions have helped or hindered his children's psychological maturation.

Essay Topic 2

Arty has a very strange relationship with women. Even though he treats everyone in his life poorly, his relationships with women seems particularly damaged. In an essay, compare/contrast Arty's relationships with his various sisters and explore his relationship with Lil. How might his relationship with his mother have affected his other relationships? Consider the business relationship that Arty has with Dr. Phyllis versus the business relationships that he has with the men he employs - particularly Zephr McGurk and Vern Bogner.

Essay Topic 3

As the novel progresses, it becomes clearer and clearer that Arty has taken full control of his family. In an essay, explore the progression of Arty's gradual control of the family through the course of the novel. Explain what you think is the psychology behind Arty's need for control. Is he an inherently "bad" person, or is it something deeper that Arty is searching for? Choose one of Arty's siblings and express how his control has affected that sibling's life - either positively or negatively.

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