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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 dead animal do the Zillers have on display at their zoo?

2. What position does Marx Marvelous pursue with Amanda and John Paul?

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

4. What is Nearly Normal Jimmy's explanation for why thunderstorms can affect human beings so strongly?

5. What disappoint Amanda about the weather of her new home with John Paul?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Plucky Purcell keep the rednecks from hassling the circus?

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

3. What happens to Amanda's pregnancy?

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

5. What are some of the potential obstacles to Amanda and John Paul's relationship and how do they work around them?

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

7. Who is Amanda?

8. Describe Plucky's college football career.

9. Describe Amanda and John Paul's wedding ceremony.

10. How does Plucky infiltrate the Society of the Felicitator?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compose an essay about the complexities of Marx and Amanda's relationship. Discuss his visceral attraction to her and his need for a motherly and spiritual figure in life, as well as his suicide attempt after her rejection. From Amanda's perspective, discuss her reasons for sleeping with other men and her rejection of Marx Marvelous. Do not forget to discuss their sexual encounter at the end of the book and their motivations for doing so. Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the importance of art in John Paul's life in the following format:

Part 1) Music.

Part 2) Sculpture as a metaphor.

Part 3) His fascination with the Corpse.

Part 4) Plucky's claim that artists believe all metaphors are real.

Part 5) His melding of sex and art in his relationship with Amanda.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the symbolism of Amanda's children in the following format:

Part 1) Baby Thor and his eyes.

Part 2) Amanda as an earth mother.

Part 3) The miscarriage.

Part 4) The cyclical nature of life.

Part 5) John Paul's death and Amanda's pregnancy.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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