The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg Ch.20-21

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg Ch.20-21

By Michelle Strauss

Spelling Test this friday!!!​

Chapters 20-21​

Medicine shows were touring acts (traveling by truck, horse, or wagon teams) that peddled "miracle cure" patent medicines and other products between various entertainments. They were common in the United States in the nineteenth century, especially in the Old West (though some continued until World War II).^[1] They usually promoted "miracle elixirs" (sometimes referred to as snake oil), which, it was claimed, had the ability to cure disease, smooth wrinkles, remove stains, prolong life or cure any number of common ailments. Most shows had their own patent medicine (these medicines were for the most part unpatented but took the name to sound official). Entertainments often included a freak show, a flea circus, musical acts, magic tricks, jokes, or storytelling. Each show was run by a man posing as a doctor who drew the crowd with a monologue. The entertainers, such as acrobats, musclemen, magicians, and dancers kept the audience engaged until the salesman sold his medicine.

​

What is a traveling medicine show?

Multiple Choice

What does Homer mean when he says, he will "keep his eyes peeled"?

• Homer will keep his eyes open

• Homer will try to be observant

• Homer will scratch at his eyes

• Homer will close his eyes when he gets scared

Multiple Choice

What are skulkers?

• cops

• thieves

• spies

• ghosts

Multiple Choice

Do you think Professor Fleabottom believes Homer's story?

• yes, all of it

• none of it, Homer is a liar

• yes, but only some of it

Multiple Choice

Why does Mr. Fleabottom's traveling show follow the Union Army?

• He wants to end slavery.

• That's where the money is.

• He's always wanted to join the army.

• Just to help Homer find his brother Harold.

Multiple Choice

What kind of medicine does Professor Fleabottom sell?

• medicine that cures all sicknesses

• medicine that calms your nerves

• medicine that makes you smile

• it isn't really medicine

Multiple Choice

What does Homer mean when he says Professor Fleabottom is a

"stretcher"

• he lies and exaggerates

• he is very flexible

• he always tells the truth

• he knows when other people are telling lies