2. Which painting does Ellen Cherry sell for $7000?
(a) The objects.
(b) Nude Boomer with an ice cream cone instead of loins.
(c) A surreal landscape.
(d) Boomer with the tongues.

3. Why does Turn Around Norman stop performing?
(a) Ellen Cherry's disappearance disturbs him.
(b) Buddy and other preachers are taking up the space.
(c) He, like Ellen Cherry, gives up art.
(d) He is sick.

4. What "grave transgression" does Painted Stick commit?
(a) He strikes a human being.
(b) He speaks to a human being.
(c) He abandons the other objects.
(d) He misleads a human being seeking direction.

5. What does Buddy call Muslims, Buddhists,and Hindus in light of a third world war?
(a) Dead as doormice.
(b) Cooked goose.
(c) Leftovers.
(d) Fried meat.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the other element in Boomer's sculpture?

2. Who is shot after the Dance of the Seven Veils?

3. What inspires or convinces the belly dancer to do the Dance of the Seven Veils?

4. What part of the belly dancer's body represents the first veil that is removed in her Dance of the Seven Veils?

5. What does Buddy do instead of going to Jerusalem?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Ultima and Ellen Cherry talk about art, Ultima says that some artists admit defeat and stop trying to be original. Ellen Cherry disagrees with this and says artists always strive for originality. Why do you think this conversation inspires her to begin painting again?

2. Throughout the novel so far, Ellen Cherry seems to be cosmically bound to the group of objects. As they try to escape, Buddy catches two of them. Which objects does he catch and is Buddy also cosmically connected to the objects? Why?

3. Describe what happens to Spoon when she falls out of the window.

4. Is there symbolic significance in the event when Ellen Cherry, having determined to paint again, goes looking for Turn Around Norman and finds Buddy instead?

5. Why does Patsy's question concerning second marriage bother Buddy?

6. Patsy tells Ellen Cherry that it seems like Boomer loves her but doesn't like her, while he likes but doesn't love Ultima. Does this seem like a true representation of Boomer's feelings, based on what you know about him so far?

7. Why do you think Salome chooses to perform the Dance of the Seven Veils during the Super Bowl?

8. Explain the final revelation evoked by The Dance of the Seven Veils.

9. What is the effect of the high definition TV that Spike gave to the I & I?

10. Describe the statue Boomer is making in Jerusalem and comment on its significance.

(see the answer keys)

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