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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. Chick explains to Arty that he can feel things that normal people cannot. What is one thing that Chick says he can feel?

2. What does Oly keep in the chest hidden in her apartment?

3. How does the family measure the value of the children?

4. Who is the first Binewski child to earn their own van?

5. What is the reaction to Chick immediately after his birth?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Dr. Phyllis' hiring significant in Arty's climb to power?

2. What is the profession of the Binewski family?

3. Who is Alma Witherspoon?

4. What happens when the children hide out in a cherry tree?

5. Describe the invention that Zephr McGurk brings to Arty.

6. Why is Chick almost abandoned by the Binewski family?

7. What does Lil Binewski do that is unusual during her pregnancies?

8. What is Arturism?

9. What happens when Arty asks Chick to make him a roast beef sandwich?

10. How does Zephr McGurk change Arty's show?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It seems that the lifestyle of the Binewski family is almost addicting. To the outsider, life within a circus may seem daunting or bizarre, but once these outsiders have experienced the community, many of the characters chose not to leave. Choose one character who was not initially a member of the Binewski family and describe the events that led him/her to be a permanent member of the cast or crew. What characteristics within the family dynamics or circus lifestyle may be appealing to an outsider? Why does the desire to belong affect the members of the Admitted and how does Arty exploits this mentality?

Essay Topic 2

Jealousy plays a large role in the relationships between the siblings. Choose two siblings and, in an essay, explore the way that jealousy has pervaded their relationship. Discuss the reasons why you think jealousy has become such a large part of these family dynamics, and explain how the Binewski family's system of value has played into the jealousy between siblings.

Essay Topic 3

The twins' 14th birthday is also representative of major changes for the twins. In an essay, describe the changes that occur for the twins and what the twins realize about themselves from these changes. How do these changes affect the twins' "place" within the family?

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This section contains 822 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample