View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following books written by presidents is not mentioned in Act 4, Scene 8?

2. What color is the star of Ethel Rosenberg's hate?

3. What recent diplomatic event sickens Roy Cohn?

4. To what famous media icon does Prior compare Joe in Act 4, Scene 2?

5. With what is Harper playing when Prior sees in her Heaven?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some critics characterize Angels in America as a magical realist work. In magical realism, the realistic and the paranormal exist at the same time in the narrative. More importantly, though, in a magical realist work the characters accept these paranormal elements without question. Write an essay detailing whether you think Angels in America is a magical realist work. Use specific examples from the text and interpretation of these examples to defend your position.

Essay Topic 2

Tony Kushner sets Angels in America during the high-water mark of the Reagan era, when the pursuit of individual success was a central focus in America. Write an essay about Kushner's depiction of the destructiveness of self-interest focusing on three characters:

Part 1) How is the character of Roy Cohn the antithesis of the communitarian worldview? What does he attempt to espouse to the two men he befriends: Joe and Belize? Cite specific statements he makes during the play.

Part 2) How is Joe Pitt a worthy disciple to Roy Cohn's worldview? How does his coming out to Louis and Harper prove to be intensely self-interested? What prevents him from fully enjoying his happiness?

Part 3) To what extent does Joe attempt to win Louis over to the idea that self-interested is the best a person can be? How does Louis react to this, and what happens to the relationship as a result?

Essay Topic 3

In Angels in America, Kushner couches his theme of community in relationships. Three romantic relationships dominate the narrative, each saying something about the nature of community in modern America. Write an essay about these three pairings:

Part 1) Prior and Louis are relationship-based on need and ambivalence. To what extent do both men embody these emotions? What drives them apart, and are they ever reconciled?

Part 2) What is the central schism between Harper and Joe Pitt? How do Harper's fears of the world connect to Joe's desires? What is the only thing keeping Joe in the relationship?

Part 3)How is the relationship between Louis and Joe a communion based on self-interest? Does this coupling have a chance of surviving? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 472 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample