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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who passes through the lecture as Lear is talking?

2. What theme does Chorukor represent in the play?

3. What do Hana's continued repetitive trips to the store signify?

4. Who is excited about Chorukor?

5. Who receives an A from Lear for answering correctly in Act 2, Scene 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A recurring theme that Havel uses through his characters is the "spin" that they provide in order to justify their actions and in some cases, hide their motives.

1) Describe in detail how Lear uses spin to legitimatize Ptydepe. Why does he use this technique when introducing and explaining the new language? What is the overall purpose for his deception?

2) Besides the example of Lear's lectures, what other time in the play was spin used to justify something or as a means to an end? Which character used it? Again, why was this tactic chosen for that specific situation?

Essay Topic 2

Maria's new independence provides an optimistic ending of the play for the audience. What does it symbolize, not just for the character, but also for the main theme of the entire play? How does her departure symbolize hope? What does it say about freedom in general as it relates to independence?

Essay Topic 3

Manipulation is one of the main weapons used against Gross throughout the entire play. Using several examples from the play, describe in detail how Gross is manipulated on a variety of different levels. What is the objective of the manipulation? Why is it effective? Overall, why is manipulation necessary to the way a bureaucratic system functions? How does the play illustrate the way manipulation can lead to control over someone?

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This section contains 322 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample