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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 does Jacob's doctor believe has caused his recent outburst?

2. Who does Camel attempt to speak to on Jacob's behalf?

3. Why does August become annoyed with Marlena over lunch in Chapter 9?

4. What makes Jacob ill in Chapter 7?

5. Why does Jacob help Marlena with her horse?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where is Jacob living in his old age?

2. Why does August not have time to secure food for the animals?

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

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

5. What purchase has Uncle Al made from the bankrupted circus that causes him a great deal of excitement?

6. Who comes to Jacob's defense? Why?

7. Why is Marlena angry with August the following day?

8. What does Uncle Al think of Jacob when he interviews him?

9. What is Jacob studying in school? What are his plans after he gets his degree?

10. What does Marlena ask Jacob about her horse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Jacob's family. How does the death of Jacob's parents influence his decision to join the circus as a young man? How does the fact that his son forgot it was his day to visit influence Jacob into joining the circus the second time? What does Jacob's choice say about his state of mind? What do these choices say about Jacob's feelings toward his family, both as a young man and an old man?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Marlena. Who is Marlena? Why is Marlena with the circus? Why did Marlena marry August? Does Marlena love August? Why or why not? How does Marlena feel about Jacob? How does she show this? Why does Marlena choose Jacob over August? What does Marlena hope to get from Jacob?

Essay Topic 3

What is jake? Why does Camel drink jake rather than good alcohol? How does the setting of the novel affect Camel's decision to drink jake? What is the ultimate result of Camel's decision to drink jake? Is this ailment Camel's fault as the doctor appears to believe? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 774 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample