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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 poet does Beverly quote with the line "The world is gradually becoming a place where I do not care to be anymore" in the Prologue?

2. Whom does Beverly quote with the line "Life is very long..." in the Prologue?

3. What is the name of the student that Bill has been having an affair with?

4. By what name does Beverly refer to Johnna's father in the Prologue?

5. To whom did Beverly dedicate the book he wrote?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is significant about the reference to Sheriff Gilbeau in Act 1, Scene 1?

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

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

7. What foreshadowing can be seen in Act 1, Scene 1?

8. How and why are Karen and Violet juxtaposed against one another in the beginning of Act 2?

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

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 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 family responsibility in the play. How does this theme manifest itself through the major characters in the story? What characters have lacked or are lacking in their sense of responsibility for others? What symbolism relates to this theme?

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?

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