The Hostage | Short Question Answer Key

Short Answer Key

Act 1, Part 1

1. This raucous comedy-drama tells the parallel stories of what two people?

Soldiers, one Irish and one British.

2. Why are they both captured and held hostage?

As part of the ongoing hostilities between the Irish Republican Army and the British government.

3. What takes place suddenly in this story?

Violence, music, and humor.

4. This story explores themes relating to what?

The nature of imprisonment, preconception, and honor.

5. How does the story begin?

The actors dance an Irish jig.

6. Who speaks angrily to the characters?

Two prostitutes.

7. What serves as a transition into the first scene?

A blast of bagpipes.

8. Who is playing the bagpipes?

Monsewer.

9. Why is this person playing the bagpipes?

He is practicing to play a lament for a young member of the IRA who is to be executed the following morning.