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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. For what crime did the sheriff's father go to the penitentiary, according to Mattie Fae in Act 1, Scene 1?

2. Who does Violet say was the only woman "pretty enough to go without makeup" in Act 1, Scene 1?

3. What is Sheriff Gilbeau's first name?

4. What is the name of Karen's fiance?

5. When was the photograph taken of Beverly and Violet in New York City that Mattie Fae looks at in Act 2?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What information is revealed to the reader/audience in Act 1, Scene 3?

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

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

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

7. What theme is introduced in Act 1, Scene 1 of August: Osage County?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of longing for connection in August: Osage County. How does this theme manifest itself through the main characters? How is the theme developed through action in the plot? What symbolism and/or imagery relates to this theme?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the family dynamic of the Aiken family in August: Osage County. How many children do Mattie Fae and Charlie have? How would you describe the relationship between Mattie Fae and Charlie? How would you describe their relationship with Little Charles?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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