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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. In what state are the Zillers traveling after they leave the circus?

2. Why does Mon Cul bite one of the rednecks?

3. What drug was once found on Plucky that helped lead to his dishonorable discharge from the military?

4. Why is Plucky able to pose as Brother Dallas?

5. How is Plucky able to sneak away from the monastery to write letters?

Short Essay Questions

1. What compromises do the Zillers make about food in their roadside zoo?

2. Describe John Paul's gifts to his wife in the hospital and meaning behind them.

3. How does the narrator equate butterflies to John Paul and Amanda?

4. What are some of the potential obstacles to Amanda and John Paul's relationship and how do they work around them?

5. How does John Paul pay for Amanda's hospitalization?

6. How does Plucky infiltrate the Society of the Felicitator?

7. Why is John Paul distracted when he and Amanda begin to restore the shack and how does she feel about it?

8. Why is Marx interested in working with John Paul and Amanda?

9. Why did Plucky become a drug dealer?

10. Why was Plucky discharged from the military?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the importance of art in John Paul's life in the following format:

Part 1) Music.

Part 2) Sculpture as a metaphor.

Part 3) His fascination with the Corpse.

Part 4) Plucky's claim that artists believe all metaphors are real.

Part 5) His melding of sex and art in his relationship with Amanda.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay that presents the character of Mon Cul as the link between science and faith (Marx Marvelous's motivation through the novel). Discuss his layered role as a companion to John Paul (as well as the man's motivation for acquiring the baboon) and the significance behind the experimental balloon's need for baboons (particularly in regards to Mon Cul steering the balloon with himself, John Paul, and the Corpse as passengers). Develop a clear thesis statement on this topic and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the characterization of Marx Marvelous in the following format:

Part 1) Scientist.

Part 2) Failed Agnostic.

Part 3) Attraction to Amanda's sexuality and mothering ways.

Part 4) Suicide attempt.

Part 5) His opinions on the fate of the Corpse.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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