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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. Who comes to Buddy's apartment the night he is supposed to leave for Jerusalem?

2. What season is it when Salome joins the band at the I & I?

3. Where does the detective deposit Spoon after leaving the I & I?

4. What surprises Spoon about Painted Stick's reception of her after she rejoins the other objects?

5. Who convinces Buddy to give up his plans to blow up the Dome of the Rock?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the appeal of the belly dancer, Salome, to the male audience.

4. Is there a reason why Dirty Sock is the only object left behind when the objects escape and never makes it to Jerusalem?

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

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

7. Describe what happens to Ellen Cherry when she plays the eye game looking at Spoon.

8. What is Uncle Buddy's reasoning for attempting to blow up the Dome of the Rock?

9. Without art and without Boomer, Ellen Cherry is beginning to feel that life is meaningless. What do you think Robbins is saying about the relationship between the meaning we give our lives and our endeavors and/or relationships?

10. Ellen Cherry is clearly upset by the disappearance of Spoon. Explain how you think she feels.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A lot of time is spent in this novel considering the role of perception on reality. What relationship does the novel suggest exists between an individual's perception or interpretation and reality or truth? Cite at least three specific examples to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Consider Robbins' unique style. How do you describe it? What do you think it allows him to do that a more traditional style prevents? Analyze at least three specific examples to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Compare the contrast the two radically different political positions represented by Spike and Abu on the one hand and Buddy on the other. What do they each think about the conflict in the middle east? How do their ideas, both about it's background and the best possible resolution to the conflict, differ? Consider the problem or issue of interpretation in history.

(see the answer keys)

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