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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 overall theme does the author use the office to illustrate?

2. What does Gross offer during his argument with Ballas?

3. in Act 1, Scene 5, what does Lear attempt to illustrate about Ptydepe?

4. As a reflection of bureaucracy, what kind of explanation do the higher-ups provide for the creation of Ptydepe?

5. What is it about the letter that automatically irritates Gross?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the game that Helena plays with Gross and what does it symbolize?

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

3. What does Havel use the reference of a theater to symbolize?

4. What are the noticeable habits of Hana, the secretary, that are displayed in the beginning of the play?

5. What subtle things does Ballas do to maintain his power?

6. What significant discovery does Ballas make at the end of Act 2, Scene 7?

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

8. What is different about Gross and his approach in the very beginning of Act 2, Scene 10?

9. How is Gross manipulated again in Act 1, Scene 5?

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?

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

The crucial moment of the second part of Act 9 is when the memo is finally translated for Gross. The contents of it are ironic, comedic, and inspiring all at the same time. Explain them in detail, describing why and how all three themes (irony, comedy, and inspiration) are represented. Also, explain what the significance is of Maria being the one to translate it. What does that add to the message for Gross?

Essay Topic 3

At a few key times in the play, sparks of hope present themselves. This is what keeps the audience hoping that Gross can turn things around, and it is also what makes them believe it may be possible.

1) Describe some examples of hope that Gross does not see or recognize at the time they are presented to him. What is the irony of this? What does it say about Gross' character?

2) The character of Maria is consistently a main source of hope for Gross. Why do you think Gross is inclined to receive positive messages from her more than from other characters? What is it about Maria's personality that allows her to break through the bureaucracy and provide the hope Gross desperately needs?

(see the answer keys)

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