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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. According to the narrator, what keeps Plucky from having a traditionally handsome face?

2. What did Plucky stumble over while walking in the woods?

3. What is the name of Amanda's lover's band in the beginning of "Another Roadside Attraction"?

4. How does Marx feel about Amanda?

5. What drug was once found on Plucky that helped lead to his dishonorable discharge from the military?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Marx create a new name for himself?

2. How does John Paul pay for Amanda's hospitalization?

3. Describe John Paul Ziller's childhood.

4. What are the differing opinions on the spiritual power of thunderstorms?

5. What is significant about the suitcase found in Miami?

6. Why did Plucky become a drug dealer?

7. How does Marx Marvelous attract John Paul and Amanda's attention?

8. Describe the Society of the Felicitator.

9. How does Ziller end up joining the Indo-Tibetan Circus?

10. What compromises do the Zillers make about food in their roadside zoo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compose an essay about the role natural elements from the earth play in "Another Roadside Attraction" in the following format:

Part 1) Thunderstorms.

Part 2) Mushrooms.

Part 3) Earthquakes.

Part 4) Sun and solar radiation.

Part 5) The food and beverage offered at the roadside zoo.

Essay Topic 2

The beginning is the end is the beginning. Discuss the cyclical natures of both beginnings and ends in regards to "Another Roadside Attraction." Develop a clear thesis statement and an outline in order to clarify your thoughts. Be sure to focus on several different elements, including (but not exclusively) religion, characters, and death.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Plucky Purcell's experiences with the Society of the Felicitator and how the inner workings of the Catholic Church sharply contrast with the persistent image presented to the public. How do his experiences help to shape his worldview, particularly after meeting Sister Hillary? In what ways does this help prepare Plucky for his final contributions to the world, as well as his death? Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,186 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample