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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. Who is the ex-boyfriend that Karen "loved so intensely," according to her narrative in Act 2?

2. What does Jean offer Johnna when she visits her in her room in Act 1, Scene 2?

3. What does Barbara tell Jean do promise her in Act 1, Scene 4?

4. For how long does Barbara say she's shared a bed with Bill in Act 1, Scene 3?

5. What is Charlie's last name?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is significant about Violet's comments about aging women in Act 2?

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

4. How is the theme of interpersonal responsibilities illustrated in the beginning of Act 2?

5. What is significant about the revelations regarding Sheriff Gilbeau in Act 1, Scene 4?

6. What is the significance of Jean's partaking of marijuana in Act 1, Scene 2?

7. What literary allusions does Beverly Weston make in the play's Prologue?

8. How would you describe the conflicts between Barbara and Violet in Act 1, Scene 2?

9. Where does the second climax occur in Act 1, Scene 4?

10. How is the temperature of the Weston home metaphorical in August: Osage County?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the character of Jean in the play. How old is Jean? How would you describe Jean's relationships with her mother and father? Whom does Jean become closest to in the course of the play? Why?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the relationship between Ivy and Little Charles in August: Osage County. In what ways are Ivy and Little Charles similar? What has attracted these characters to one another? How does their relationship evolve in the course of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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