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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Jimmy and Helena want to do that night?

2. What item of clothes does Cliff dirty?

3. What does Helena leave the stage to do?

4. How does Jimmy hide his disappointment that Cliff is leaving?

5. Who is hurt because everything has changed?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose two characters from the play and compare their differences in terms of class.

1) In what ways do they view life differently?

2) How are the changes in British society affecting their identity?

3) How do they view each others differences?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the values of 1950's Britain.

1) Why was the issue of class such an important issue at that time?

2) In what ways are the characters' negative characteristics a product of their time? Do you think Britain was going through a transitional phase in the 1950's? What significant changes do you think occurred during this period?

3) Does modern society share any values with 1950's Britain?

Essay Topic 3

Look at the structure of the play.

1) How does Osbourne use character and dialogue to drive the narrative.

2) Discuss elements of the narrative structure: Exposition, conflict, complication, climax, resolution and conclusion. Do all the elements make for a logical and linear story? How does the story's structure express the play's themes?

3) Away from the main character, examine the way Osborne uses the other characters in the story. When does he introduce and take them away from the story? What effect does it have on the story?

(see the answer keys)

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