View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does the outlaw leader want Fevvers to talk to?

2. What does the Princess play for the tigers?

3. What does the Duke offer Fevvers a drink of?

4. What does Fevvers drink at her dinner with the Duke?

5. What does Fevvers call Walser?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Lizzie state is her opinion is of Walser in book 3, chapter 1?

2. Describe the clowns performance in book 2, chapter 10.

3. What is happening to Fevvers in book 3, chapter 9?

4. How does Olga bring new hope to the women's prison camp?

5. What world has Walser's amnesia submerged him in?

6. What new thoughts and characteristics does book 2, chapter 9 introduce about Fevvers?

7. In what way do the elephants express their concept of freedom in book 3, chapter 2?

8. Describe the character of the Escapee.

9. Why have the outlaws been banished?

10. How does Carter express Walser's gradual character transition in book 3, chapter 3?

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 Carter's writing style. How would you describe Carter's prose style? What kind of vocabulary does she use? Does she use any specific writing techniques? What meaning does Carter's style give to the story? Can you detect a distinct personality with her style?

Essay Topic 3

Critically examine the negative and positive points of Nights at the Circus. Is it an accurate portrayal of late 19th century life? Does it have dramatic impact? Are the characters well drawn?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 861 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample