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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 is the reaction to Chick immediately after his birth?

2. Who hires Dr. Phyllis to stay on full time?

3. Why doesn't Oly tell her mother who she is?

4. What does Oly decide must happen with Miss Lick?

5. What problem does Zephr McGurk wish to alleviate for Arty?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Arturism?

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

3. What significant event happens on the twins' 14th birthday?

4. What is on Miss Lick's home videos?

5. Why does Oly feel guilty after her performance at Miranda's work?

6. How does Arty begin drawing larger crowds to his shows?

7. What happens between Arty and Chick when Oly sneaks off to listen to a story, leaving Chick unsupervised?

8. What happens when Oly visits Miranda at work?

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

10. Describe how we first see Oly's adult life.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chick's powers are considered the most valuable and the most dangerous of the Binewski children. In an essay, discuss the way that different family members view Chick, and how they exploit Chick and his abilities. Finally, describe the way that Chick views himself and similarly, how he views his powers.

Essay Topic 2

The final scene of the novel has to do with Oly's sacrifice in the name of love. In an essay, explore the reasons behind Oly's obsession with Miss Lick and why she believed that killing her was the only answer. How is the love in Oly's relationship with Miss Lick similar or different to the love in Oly's relationship with Miranda? Was Oly's sacrifice was "worth it" in the end?

Essay Topic 3

Pride is another emotion that runs heavily through the characters of the novel. In an essay, explain how have you seen pride and control intermingle throughout the text. Compare/contrast Arty's pride versus Oly's pride as well as the pride that Miss Lick has in her projects versus the pride that she hopes to gift her projects.

(see the answer keys)

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