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Who was the woman Jacob was interested in while away at college?

Catherine. Catherine is the woman of interest. He compared other women to Catherine during the story. Instead of losing his virginity at Cornell, he lost it with a circus worker, although he didn't remember much about the experience.

What university did Jacob walk away from with less than two weeks before graduation?

Cornell. Ten days prior to graduating, Jacob's parents are killed in an auto accident. He returns after the funeral only to leave during his final exams.

What circus did Jacob join after abruptly leaving the university?

Benzini Brothers. For several reasons Jacob was overwhelmed when he left the university. He jumped a circus train with the Benzini Brothers. He was lucky enough to have someone help him and give him a job instead of tossing him off the moving train.

What was Jacob's field of study at the university?

Veterinary medicine. Jacob's plans were to join his father's veterinary practice after he graduated. When his father was killed, Jacob figured out his dad had to get a second mortgage to afford his Ivy League education. In addition, with the poor economic times, his father was accepting eggs and animals for his vet fees.

Who was Jacob's circus train roommate?

Walter. Walter, also known as Kinko, was a dwarf and a circus performer. Jacob was first hired as a working man and eventually moved his way up to caring for the animals. In the beginning, Walter didn't like Jacob. Performers and working men were not to mingle.

What was the name of Kinko's dog in "Water for Elephants"?

Queenie. Queenie was a Jack Russell Terrier. She was Kinko's pride and joy. After Walter, Queenie became Jacob's pet.

Who was the nurse that treated Mr Jankowksi with respect?

Rosemary. Rosemary was very kind and spoke to Mr Jankowski as an adult, not as a child. She let him make decisions as basic as what he was going to wear and where he wanted to sit. Jacob was sad to learn that she was leaving the facility to move closer to her family.

Who was Rosie in "Water for Elephants"?

An elephant. Rosie was an elephant. Uncle Al got her from another circus. Everyone thought she was stupid because she wouldn't do tricks or follow directions. Jacob found out Rosie could understand Polish. He then taught August basic Polish words to use to train Rosie. She was a magnificent performer, a true crowd pleaser.

Who delivered the head blow to August during the chaos created by the circus workers?

Rosie. August was a paranoid schizophrenic. He could be so nice, but could also be cruel and mean. He was cruel to Rosie on more than one occasion. He was also abusive to Marlena. Because the workers were ultimately working without pay, they created a circus nightmare for Uncle Al. During this event, Rosie became the hero by ridding Marlena and Jacob of August.

In the end of the story, what happened to Mr Jankowski?

He joined the circus. Jacob's family forgot him and did not come to take him to the circus. He walked out of the nursing home right into the circus gates where he met the circus manager. Charlie took him to the circus and then they went to his RV and talked. After Jacob told him his old circus tales and the woes of his current situation, Charlie let Jacob stay with him and join the circus.