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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. Why do Jacob and Marlena decide not to run away?

2. Where do Walter and Jacob hide Camel in the meantime?

3. What gift does August offer Jacob for his help with Rosie?

4. What does Rosie do when she sees the exit to the menagerie tent from the big top?

5. What does a nurse refuse to bring elderly Jacob in Chapter 13?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the train raided in Poughkeepsie?

2. What happens after Jacob and Marlena escape the club?

3. What warning does Jacob receive that something might happen during the show that night?

4. What does Uncle Al use to increase ticket sales?

5. What happens when Jacob goes into Chicago with August and Marlena?

6. How does August react to Marlena's surprise?

7. What happens when Jacob has too much to drink?

8. What does Uncle Al want young Jacob to do in the aftermath of Marlena's choice to leave August?

9. How does August react to Marlena's injuries?

10. Who becomes ill, forcing Jacob to examine him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 767 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample