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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 does Fevvers say Madame Schreck does not part easily with?

2. What does the newspaper article claim that Fevver's is made of?

3. What type of animal is Sybil?

4. What does Rosencreutz say is the secret of youth?

5. Where does Buffo sit at the table?

Short Essay Questions

1. What imagery does Carter use to describe the ice cream shop?

2. In what way do you think it is significant that Walser is a clown?

3. For what reasons are the Charivaris jealous of Fevvers?

4. What is clown alley?

5. How does book 2, chapter 3 mark a transition in the relationship between Fevvers and Walser?

6. What is Walser's part in the clown's act?

7. How does Schreck try to dupe Fevers out of her fair share?

8. Describe Mignon's life story.

9. In what way do you think Walser's decision to sign up for the circus was an important one to make?

10. What ploy does Kearney come up with in book 2, chapter 7 to promote his circus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nights at the Circus is written using elements of magic realism.

1) What is magic realism?

2) What moments in Nights at the Circus could you identify as magic realism?

2) Why do you think Carter uses magic realism for this novel?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the novel's chronological setting.

1) What were the main concerns during the late 19th century. How does Carter express these concerns?

2) In what ways do you think the novels meaning would change if it was set in today's society?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Fevvers and Walser.

1) What is their relationship with other circus folk?

2) What are the similarities and dissimilarities?

3) Do you think they are the perfect match?

(see the answer keys)

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