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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. Why does the Department of Authentication refuse to authenticate the new log book?

2. What is Gross symbolically holding when Ballas and Pillar return to his office in Act 1 Scene 4?

3. What habit does Hana have that prevents her from doing work?

4. What does George, the Staff Watcher, do that upsets Gross and causes him to leave the room?

5. As explained in the play, what is Ptydepe designed to reduce?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the final scene of the play, what theme is brought to the forefront and what is the message Havel delivers?

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

3. What do Ballas and Column continue to perpetuate by going to lunch in the middle of Lear's lecture in Act 2, Scene 11?

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

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

6. How does Lear explain the complexities of Ptydepe to the class?

7. What is the reason Lear gives for a need of the new language, Ptydepe?

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

9. What is significant about Thumb's interaction with Lear in Act 2, Scene 11?

10. After all of the speculation throughout the play, what are the contents of Gross' memo revealed to be, and what effect does this have on him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Scene 3 of Act 1, there is a very significant scene involving Maria, Gross, and the Staff Watcher. Describe the scene in detail, highlighting its importance and the messages it delivers. What does it specifically say about each of three characters involved? In a metaphorical sense, what do the cigars represent and why is that a key element to the story?

Essay Topic 2

How does the final scene display the need to confront the attempt to suppress individualism and freedom at any cost? Which characters in the scene illustrate that the most? Why do you think Havel chose those characters to make the strongest point of the play?

Essay Topic 3

As the play ends, there are two possible outcomes for Gross based on the decision he makes. Use the following format to present a case for both. Make sure to include examples from the play to support your cases.

1) First, explain why Gross' decision means that he will most likely never be able to make a difference at the company, and eventually might even stop trying altogether.

2) Second, explain why Gross' decision means that he will continue to fight from within the company, and eventually make a difference by stopping the bureaucracy, and gaining his independence in the process.

3) Finally, explain what will happen in your opinion. Which one of the above cases do you agree with and why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,065 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample