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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. What does Gross' lack of Ptydepe knowledge signal, according to Lear?

2. What does Helena's constant need for Maria to help her make coffee symbolize?

3. Where does Act 1, Scene 3 take place?

4. What is very interesting about the intentional way Havel presents the office?

5. What does Lear take a great deal of time to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is it about Gross' personality that makes him susceptible to Ballas' manipulation?

3. What are some examples of Stroll's initial behavior that further symbolize the intention of keeping Gross out of the loop?

4. How is Lear's explanation of Ptydepe used to display the arrogance and self-indulgent actions of bureaucrats?

5. What possibility does Lear's empty classroom at the end of Act 2, Scene 8 symbolize?

6. What is significant about Gross' search for cigarettes and what does Havel use it to represent in the play?

7. What does Maria's locating a new job for Gross say about her as a character, and what does Gross' reason for staying with the company say about him as a character?

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

9. What important message does Maria give to Gross at the beginning of the second part of Act 2, Scene 9, part 2 about winning, and how does it apply to his situation?

10. What are two main issues that Gross has with Ptydepe in Act 1, Scene 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thumb is an essential part of the bureaucratic system, even though he seems largely unaware of it. What is his specific role in the play and in the larger theme of the story? Which character traits allow him to fulfill that role? What are the more serious dangers that Thumb represents a warning against?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the characteristics of a satirical play. Why is comedy often used along with satire to make a point? Use examples from The Memorandum as references to your description. Also, explain what the target of the satire in the play is.

Essay Topic 3

In the second half of the play, Ballas and Gross switch roles. In dealing with the same frustrations, which differences in Ballas' character influence the way he handles things? What results does the different approach have? What does Gross realize as he sees Ballas deal with the issues? In detail, outline the significant differences in both characters, including how they changed throughout the play, yet still stayed the same in many ways. Use examples from the play as a reference.

(see the answer keys)

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