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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the other element in Boomer's sculpture?
(a) A geneology of Astarte.
(b) An ancient map of Palestine.
(c) Ellen Cherry.
(d) Painted Stick and Conch Shell.

2. Who warns Ellen Cherry about the probable result of destroying the Dome of the Rock?
(a) Ultima.
(b) Buddy.
(c) Boomer.
(d) Abu Hadee.

3. What does Ellen Cherry agree to do that pleases Spike while he's visiting her apartment?
(a) Make friends with the belly dancer.
(b) Put her hair in braids.
(c) Clean her apron.
(d) Try on a pair of shoes.

4. What surprises Spoon about Painted Stick's reception of her after she rejoins the other objects?
(a) He amorous attentions.
(b) His absent mindedness.
(c) His eager questioning.
(d) His laconic indifference.

5. When we first see Painted Stick moving quickly, where is he going?
(a) He is trying to find his own way across the Atlantic.
(b) He is looking for Buddy.
(c) He is trying to find Turn Around Norman.
(d) He is looking for Spoon.

Short Answer Questions

1. What painting does Buddy accidentally uncover in Ellen Cherry's apartment?

2. What shift is Ellen Cherry mostly working around Christmas time?

3. What is Verlin doing when he faints?

4. What is the catch in the belly dancer's assent to perform the Dance of the Seven Veils?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. Describe the group of objects in Ellen Cherry's underwear drawer.

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

5. Painted Stick strikes a human in order to save Spoon from being picked up. Explain why he feels so bad about this.

6. Robbins says that Conch Shell plays a major role in encouraging Painted Stick to venture out and find the ocean, but all she does is look out the window. In what way do you think she provides encouragement to Painted Stick?

7. Why do you think that Robbins ends the novel with Spoon?

8. 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?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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