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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. In his first letter of "Letters on Language," Artaud insists that the task of ______ must not be subordinated to spoken or written words as if this task was simply an accessory to theater."

2. According to Artaud, "the Theater of Cruelty proposes to resort to a" what?

3. According to the author, "Our long habit of seeking _____ has made us forget the idea of a serious theater."

4. What does Artaud assert is the principle concern of the actor physically?

5. According to Artaud, what the athlete depends upon in ______ is what the actor depends upon in shouting a passionate curse.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the events of the last two acts of "The Conquest of Mexico."

2. In Artaud's first letter in "Letters on Cruelty," who is he writing to and what is his principle subject?

3. Discuss and describe Artaud's depiction of lighting for the Theater of Cruelty in the First Manifesto.

4. What does Artaud write in his "Letters on Language" regarding the psychology of characters?

5. What is Artaud's subject in his first note from "Two Notes"?

6. What movie does Artaud use in comparison to his main subject in the first note of "Two Notes"? What does he write of American filmmakers?

7. What does Artaud write of in his third letter of "Letters on Language," which follows the publication of his Manifesto?

8. What is the author's criticism of the performance he writes of in the second of "Two Notes"?

9. What physically must an actor learn to localize in his body?

10. What must the actor control in order to relate emotions he wants to convey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the term "metaphysics." Define this term and relate how the author uses it regarding the theater.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the painting "The Daughters of Lot." What does Artaud intimate this painting means in terms of the theater?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the elements of Artaud's theories and Theater of Cruelty as they appear in today's world. Where can we see examples of Artaud's ideas in employment today?

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