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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 do the twins lose almost immediately after moving out?

2. What does she steal from Miss Lick's locker?

3. What does Chick hear inside the twins' stomach?

4. Why was the Bag Man released from jail?

5. Who is Oly plotting to murder?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly describe what happens when the Bag Man enters the twins' van after becoming engaged to them.

2. Why does Oly kill Miss Lick?

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

4. What is the Bag Man's physicality and method of communication?

5. Explain Jonathan Tomaini's new role in the twins' adult life.

6. When they last speak, what does Oly ask Miranda to do?

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

8. How does Arty react to Oly's pregnancy?

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

10. Why are the twins placed under house arrest?

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

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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