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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 suggestion does Amanda give Marx about being able to think clearly on his own the night everyone goes their separate ways to consider the fate of the Corpse?

2. After the arrival of Father Gustadt and the undercover agents, what does Marx wake up to discover the next day?

3. While Amanda ultimately decides there is nothing morally wrong with eating meat, with what practice does she take umbrage?

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

5. What movie does Nearly Normal Jimmy carry with him on his journey to his next destination from the Peace Corp?

Short Essay Questions

1. Compare and contrast Pan and Jesus.

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

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

5. According to Tarzan, why did men start fearing death?

6. Why does Marx attempt suicide and what change overcome him as a result?

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

8. Why and how does Marx address Baby Thor?

9. Why do the Zillers tend to avoid alcohol?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the characterization of Marx Marvelous in the following format:

Part 1) Scientist.

Part 2) Failed Agnostic.

Part 3) Attraction to Amanda's sexuality and mothering ways.

Part 4) Suicide attempt.

Part 5) His opinions on the fate of the Corpse.

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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