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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 impression makes Uncle Al think Jacob is not serious about a job with the circus? Who does Uncle Al think Jacob is?

2. Where is Jacob at the beginning of his circus memories?

3. What draws Jacob to the window?

4. What does Jacob see outside the window?

5. What animal appears to be missing from the circus?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Jacob's one joy in the center?

2. What does Jacob conclude about Marlena's horse?

3. What does Camel promise Jacob?

4. What treat does Rosemary sneak onto Jacob's breakfast tray?

5. For how long has Jacob kept this secret?

6. What animal does Jacob notice missing from the circus' group of exotic animals?

7. Why does Jacob not wish to sit at his regular table at mealtime?

8. What does the doctor prescribe for Jacob?

9. How does Jacob get a job working security for the cooch show that night?

10. What does Jacob agree to do for Marlena?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Prohibition. What is Prohibition? Why was it enacted? How does it affect the common man? How does pPohibition play a role in this novel? Who is directly affected by Prohibition? Who is indirectly affected? Why do you think the author chose to set her novel during prohibition? How would the novel be different if the author had set the story in a different era? Whose life would have been different? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss marriage and infidelity. August believes Marlena is unfaithful. How does this belief change the way August treats his wife? Why? Who does August believe Marlena is having an affair with? Is she? What defines infidelity? Under your definition Jacob and Marlena having an affair? Explain your answer using evidence from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss August. Who is August? What kind of person is August? What does August do to cause Jacob to fear him? What does Jacob learn about August that helps him understand August's odd behavior? What does August do to Rosie? How does Rosie respond?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 763 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample