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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 month does Violet claim it is in the beginning of Act 2?

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

3. Who accompanies Barbara when she comes downstairs when her mother is calling for her in the end of Act 1, Scene 4?

4. Why does Violet tell Barbara that Beverly was disappointed in her in Act 1, Scene 2?

5. With whom did Steve go to get wine in Act 2?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does the revelation of Beverly's death tie into the themes of the play?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Karen's relationship with Steve in August: Osage County. How would you compare Karen's relationship with those of her sisters? How old is Kevin? What conflicts occur in the narrative that present complications for this relationship?

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 theme of breaking free in August: Osage County. What characters in the play attempt to break free from their families and/or pasts? Are they successful? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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