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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. What belonging of Beverly's has gone missing along with him in Act 1, Scene 1?

2. Who is the youngest of Beverly and Violet's children?

3. What does Karen say she believes men are better than women at in Act 2?

4. Where does the sheriff say Beverly's body was found in Act 1, Scene 4?

5. Who is Ivy's former boyfriend that Violet calls a loser in Act 1, Scene 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you compare Barbara to Violet in Act 1, Scene 1?

2. What is the significance of the discussion of Johnna's name in the Prologue?

3. What is indicated by Sheriff Gilbeau's conversation with Bill in Act 1, Scene 4?

4. What is significant about the conversation between Ivy and Violet in the beginning of Act 2?

5. What is ironic about Karen's descriptions of Steve in the beginning of Act 2?

6. Where do the Weston family members make arrangements to stay in Act 1, Scene 1?

7. What is significant about the references to Barbara's career in Act 1, Scene 2?

8. What important exposition is established in the Prologue to August: Osage County?

9. What is the most important plot element that is revealed in Act 1, Scene 1?

10. What foreshadowing is revealed in the Prologue to August: Osage County?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of addiction in August: Osage County. What characters display tendencies toward addiction? What has led to these tendencies? How is the struggle of addiction dealt with in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's use of literary allusion throughout August: Osage County. What poets and authors are discussed and/or quoted in the story? How do these authors and their works relate thematically to August: Osage County? What is the significance of Beverly's book of poetry?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the conflicts that arise in Act 2 of the play. What physical conflicts take place? What leads up to these conflicts? Are the conflicts in Act 2 resolved? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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