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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. After the fire alarm rings in Act 1, Part 1, why do the reporters ignore it?

2. What is McCue's response to Hildy calling in Act 1, Part 2?

3. What is the sheriff's reaction to the news of Hildy leaving the paper?

4. Who brings Mrs. Grant, Peggy's mother, in during Act 2, Part 2?

5. What does Hildy promise to his girlfriend before hanging up the phone in Act 1, Part 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Williams tell Mollie about the escape and where he has been the whole time in Act 2, Part 4?

2. How does the final scene between Peggy, Hildy, and Burns tie in with the theme of the entire play, in particular, how it relates to Hildy's decision?

3. Through the exchange of dialogue by the reporters as they are calling in their stories, what new information do we learn about the hanging of Williams in Act 1, Part 2?

4. How does Williams meet Hildy in Act 2, Part 4, and what does he explain to him about the police?

5. What does Louie report to Burns in Act 3, Part 1, and why is the response of the characters significant?

6. What is the response to the fire alarm ringing by the reporters in Act 1, Part 1, and what does it say about their characters?

7. Choose one reporter's account of the escape as an example and describe how it was relayed in Act 2, Part 1?

8. How does Hildy deal with the sheriff and what tactic does he use that the sheriff interestingly responds to in Act 1, Part 4?

9. What does the conversation between Hildy and Peggy at the beginning of Act 2, Part 2 bring to light, and how do they relate to Hildy's inner struggle?

10. How does money play a subtle part in Peggy and Mrs. Grant's concerns that may differ with Hildy's at this point of the play in Act 2, Part 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think the Roaring Twenties was an effective setting for The Front Page? Describe what elements of the play would be different if it took place today. What advantages do the Twenties give the story as far as the plot is concerned? Were the characters more believable? How would they change in current times?

Essay Topic 2

The theme of the play centers around Hildy's decision between being a reporter and getting married. Analyze the differences of both lives. Include events and characters from the play to explain the advantages and disadvantages of Hildy's options as they are displayed throughout the story.

Essay Topic 3

The reporters are joking in the background of many acts in the play, displaying their cynicism as well.

1) Describe three situations where the cynicism or joking is illustrated and why you think the authors included it for those specific parts of the play.

2) Describe the time or times that Hildy also participated in the cynicism and joking, and why it was necessary to show that side of his character. What did it illustrate?

(see the answer keys)

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