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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 does Amanda appear to flummox the FBI agents in the future?

2. Why was Pan highly sexual, according to Tarzan?

3. Why is Amanda initially impressed with Marx's theory of her spiritual state?

4. What is singularly remarkable about people's recognition of the Corpse?

5. According to his letter, why does Plucky entertain notions of burning down the monastery?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Plucky Purcell's fate and final message?

2. Describe the Second Coming as Marx discovers it.

3. What duties does Marx perform at the zoo?

4. Who is Sister Hillary and why is she important?

5. What is significant about Amanda's wishes for the Corpse?

6. How do the Zillers, Plucky and Marx allow themselves to relax before addressing the presence of the Corpse?

7. Why does Amanda decide she no longer wishes to be a part of the Corpse's future?

8. What purpose does the delivery man serve in interrupting the group's celebration?

9. Why is Plucky being sent to Vatican City and why is this significant?

10. Why and how does Marx address Baby Thor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the symbolism of Amanda's children in the following format:

Part 1) Baby Thor and his eyes.

Part 2) Amanda as an earth mother.

Part 3) The miscarriage.

Part 4) The cyclical nature of life.

Part 5) John Paul's death and Amanda's pregnancy.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

"He's a symbol junkie . . . people like him- that is, the majority- are strung out on symbols. They're so addicted that they prefer abstract symbols to the concrete things which symbols represent. It's much easier to cope with the abstract than with the concrete; there's no direct, personal involvement- and you can keep an abstract idea steady in your mind whereas real things are usually in a state of flux and always changing. It's safer to play around with a man's wife than with his cliches." Write an essay about Amanda's statement. Discuss what it means to the Second Coming as depicted in this novel and how it affects the ways in which Amanda and John Paul live their lives. Develop a clear thesis statement and cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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