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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 song does Jacob hear being played as the stampede begins?

2. What does Jacob miss about being older?

3. Who is Marlena, the woman Jacob is looking for in the prologue?

4. What is a cooch show in the circus?

5. Which relatives does Jacob normally know?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the significance of Stars and Stripes Forever in the circus?

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

6. What does the doctor prescribe for Jacob?

7. What is the emergency that causes the band to play Stars and Stripes Forever?

8. What does Jacob agree to do for Marlena?

9. Who does Jacob meet the next morning on the circus train?

10. Why does Jacob become angry with Rosemary, one of his nurses at the assisted-living center?

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 independence as a theme of the novel. What is independence? How does Jacob feel his independence has been taken from him? Is Jacob right in thinking this? Should a man Jacob's age have more independence or less? Why? Should Jacob be allowed to care for himself and make his own choices? If not, who should have this responsibility? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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