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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 type of vegetation is common to the area in which John Paul and Amanda settle, much to their delight?

2. For what does Marx express disdain in regard to Amanda?

3. What offer from Nearly Normal Jimmy did John Paul decline after the disbanding of the circus?

4. Fill in the blank: the name "Marx" was chosen by Marx Marvelous because it triggered America's hatred of _______.

5. In what state are the Zillers traveling after they leave the circus?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Plucky discharged from the military?

2. Describe John Paul's gifts to his wife in the hospital and meaning behind them.

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

4. Who is Amanda?

5. Why is Marx interested in working with John Paul and Amanda?

6. Describe John Paul Ziller's childhood.

7. What happens to Amanda's pregnancy?

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

9. What solution does Amanda come up with in regards to the animal portion of their zoo?

10. How does Marx feel about John Paul and Amanda?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Marx Marvelous's ideas about religion and how they are related to his belief that the Zillers are at the forefront of a new type of spirituality. Relate these ideas to his personal quest to discover his own need for spirituality (instead of relying on his logic), particularly how these conflicts stem from his childhood, as well as how it affects his ideas for the fate of the Corpse. Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the death of John Paul Ziller in the following format:

Part 1) Foreshadowing.

Part 2) Returning to "the source."

Part 3) The artist and the metaphor.

Part 4) His relationship with Amanda.

Part 5) Sacrifice versus suicide.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,261 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample