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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. To where is Plucky Purcell transferred, per his letter that is revealed to Marx Marvelous?

2. According to the Peace Corp officer's letter, where is Nearly Normal Jimmy going?

3. What natural disaster occurs in Vatican City, causing Plucky to go explore the vaults?

4. What does Plucky Purcell find in the catacombs of the Vatican?

5. What is singularly remarkable about people's recognition of the Corpse?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why and how does Marx address Baby Thor?

2. Describe Marx and Amanda's last night and morning at the zoo.

3. What does Amanda point out that squashes Pulcky and Marx's idea of using the corpse to blackmail people in charge of the world?

4. What is John Paul's plan for the Corpse when he disappears with it, Mon Cul, and Plucky Purcell?

5. What is Marx's suggestion about Plucky's plan for the Corpse and why?

6. What duties does Marx perform at the zoo?

7. What does Plucky notice about the Vatican that pushes him to conclude that the Catholic church is dying?

8. How does Plucky stumble over the Corpse?

9. What observations do the Zillers and Marx make about the loggers and their work?

10. Why is Plucky being sent to Vatican City and why is this significant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the character of Amanda as a possible replacement for Jesus Christ. Compare and contrast the two characters, particularly in regards to their religion and analyze the reasons who Marx believes that Amanda's brand of spirituality is more in tune with the needs of the modern world. Compose a thesis statement and cites specific examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that analyzes Marx's vision of Jesus Christ and Pan and how this vision is essentially the apex of Marx's journey to discover a new brand of spirituality. Be sure to discuss, as well, the role Tarzan is apparently playing in the spiritual healing of Tibet (per Nearly Normal Jimmy). Develop a clear thesis statement and outline for this essay and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the government and the church in "Another Roadside Attraction." Discuss how Amanda's discussions with the federal agents and Plucky's encounter with Sister Hillary are reflective of an institution's ability to use innocent people for their own purposes. Finally, analyze the flaws in these systems as presented in this book and how Marx's theories about the downfall of these institutions is slow, yet inevitable.

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This section contains 1,396 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample