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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. Which family member has taken full control over the rest of the family?

2. What does Arty purchase for the followers of the new religion?

3. How does Miss Lick die?

4. Who does Chick help become pregnant?

5. What is Norval Sanderson's favorite act in the circus?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Oly kill Miss Lick?

4. How was the Bag Man affected, mentally and physically, by his wife divorcing him?

5. What does Oly see when she goes to massage Elly's muscles?

6. What does Oly see when she hears Chick, Lil, and the twins screaming in the van?

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

8. What happens during Dr. Phyllis' surgery on the twins?

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

10. Why are the twins placed under house arrest?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

The twins' 14th birthday is also representative of major changes for the twins. In an essay, describe the changes that occur for the twins and what the twins realize about themselves from these changes. How do these changes affect the twins' "place" within the family?

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