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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 Henry not hug Ellen?

2. If more people were willing to go to jail to protest the government, they could effect change on what scale?

3. In what town is the play set?

4. Ellen says that she has to go home, and Henry delays. Why?

5. What does Henry tell Bailey he drinks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why will Ellen not marry John?

2. Describe the scene when Sam Staples tells him he must pay his property taxes?

3. How do Waldo and Henry treat one another, as opposed to how they feel about one another?

4. How does Sam show that he is acting against his wishes when serving Henry with his tax bill?

5. What does Edward tell his mother when he and Henry return? What is his reasoning for this?

6. What does Waldo mean when he accuses Henry of resigning from the human race?

7. How does Henry show affection for Lydian? What is her response?

8. How does Act II open?

9. Sam brings him breakfast, and tells him that the telegraph line to Texas has been finished. What does the finished telegraph line to Texas mean?

10. Why does Henry react violently when Williams tells him what he wants to be called? Why might Williams want to be called this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The school that Henry and John start is perhaps the clearest example of this stand against intellectualism.

Part 1) Describe the school.

Part 2) Why does the school fail?

Part 3) Although the school fails, is it a complete failure? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The character of Henry is depicted in the play as a solitary revolutionary, who uses techniques of passive resistance to protest against injustice.

Part 1) How is he a revolutionary?

Part 2) What techniques of passive resistance does he use?

Part 3) How do Henry's thoughts and actions reflects those of the tumultuous 1960s?

Essay Topic 3

In Act II, Lee and Lawrence further develop the idea of what war Henry is fighting against.

Part 1) What war is he initially fighting?

Part 2) What war is added? How is this war foreshadowed in Act I?

Part 3) What is the connection between the two wars?

(see the answer keys)

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