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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. Why won't Mars Bar climb the fence where the buffalo are?

2. How long do the feats go on for before the perilous one is asked?

3. What makes Maniac run from the graveyard?

4. What legendary feat does Mars Bar perform for the Pickwell children?

5. What does Maniac experience in early July in the early mornings?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is family life like at the McNabs?

2. What comparison does Maniac make between the Pickwells and the Beales in chapter 40?

3. How do Maniac and Mars Bar find their way back into each other's lives?

4. Why does Maniac knowingly let the McNab boys give him crazy feats to perform?

5. Why does Maniac take Mars Bar to the Pickwells?

6. What contradiction does Maniac experience coming from a reunion at the Beales and going to the McNabs?

7. Why does Maniac bring Mars Bar to Piper's birthday party?

8. How is the race between Maniac and Mars Bar uncharacteristic of Maniac?

9. How does Grayson't death affect Maniac?

10. What kind of a home do the McNabs live in?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The nickname of the Maniac helps turn him into a legend. How so? Use specific examples from the novel. How is this legendary status a drawback for Maniac?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the dynamics of Maniac's relationship with Grayson. Why do the two become so close? What does Maniac see in Grayson that others don't see? What does Maniac see in Grayson that even Grayson does not see? How does Grayson treat Maniac? How does Maniac change after Grayson's death?

Essay Topic 3

John McNab is a complex, dynamic character. How so? How does his characterization affect the themes of race in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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