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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In modern times, what is a term used to describe the act of portraying something negative in a positive way?
(a) "Rant."
(b) "Spin."
(c) "Bloviating."
(d) "Get on a soapbox."

2. What does Gross give Ballas and Pillar?
(a) An I.O.U.
(b) A check.
(c) A money order.
(d) Cash.

3. How does Stroll exit in Act 1, Scene 3?
(a) Angrily.
(b) Involuntarily.
(c) Slowly.
(d) Suddenly.

4. What does Gross fear if he does not agree to the switch?
(a) He will have a lawsuit filed against him.
(b) He will have to talk to the Staff Watcher again.
(c) He will be even further demoted.
(d) His career will be over.

5. What do Ballas and Gross argue about?
(a) Gross' refusal to understand Ptydepe.
(b) The Staff Watcher's report.
(c) Ballas' salary.
(d) The termination of Ptydepe.

Short Answer Questions

1. What point is the author trying to make by having Hana make separate trips for food?

2. What does Ballas threaten Gross with?

3. The parallels Havel draws in Act 1, Scene 4 are between Ballas and what?

4. The larger metaphor for the clerk is a warning against what?

5. What does Gross interrupt at the start of Act 1, Scene 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. What explanation does Ballas offer to Gross and what position does he offer him?

2. The "wrong cause" that Stroll, Savant, and Helena are upset about dedicating their lives to is really a symbol for what larger "wrong cause?"

3. What events lead Gross to speak out against the technological advances that are affecting humanity?

4. Describe the difference between Thumb and Gross as the characters are portrayed in Act 1, Scene 2.

5. What are some of the differences between Ballas and Gross in their experiences as Managing Director?

6. What are some more examples of Ballas' parallel experience to Gross' time as Managing Director that are given in the first part of Act 2, Scene 9?

7. What does the introduction of Ptydepe signal in the play as it pertains to Gross and his position within the company?

8. Describe two main methods that Ballas uses in Act 1, Scene 4 to get Gross to comply?

9. What is Lear lecturing about during Act 2, Scene 11, and why does it cause Gross to stop and listen?

10. What is it about the letter Gross receives that gets his attention, why is it significant to the play, and how does Gross react to it?

(see the answer keys)

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