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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. Who restores Plucky's faith in Catholicism?

3. From what infirmity do the caretaker nuns in the Vatican suffer?

4. Despite her open marriage with John Paul, why does Amanda refuse to have sex with Marx?

5. Who rescues Marx from his suicide attempt?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Sister Hillary and why is she important?

2. Describe Amanda's suggestion that the federal agent is a symbol junkie.

3. Why do the Zillers tend to avoid alcohol?

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

5. How does Plucky stumble over the Corpse?

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

7. What is significant about the Corpse's appearance?

8. Describe the Second Coming as Marx discovers it.

9. How has Plucky been handling his situation with the Society, per Marx's initiation into the secret infiltration?

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

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

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

Write an essay that presents the character of Mon Cul as the link between science and faith (Marx Marvelous's motivation through the novel). Discuss his layered role as a companion to John Paul (as well as the man's motivation for acquiring the baboon) and the significance behind the experimental balloon's need for baboons (particularly in regards to Mon Cul steering the balloon with himself, John Paul, and the Corpse as passengers). Develop a clear thesis statement on this topic and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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