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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 is the final line that Barbara exclaims in the end of Act 2?

2. Who comforts Violet at the end of Act 3, Scene 5?

3. After whom was Jean named, according to Barbara in Act 3, Scene 4?

4. During dinner in Act 2, Violet says, "That today's the send-off Bev should've got if he died around" what year?

5. Who is the man that Ivy is involved with romantically?

Short Essay Questions

1. What triggers the conflict between Barbara and Violet in Act 2?

2. What is revealed of Beverly's death in Act 3, Scene 5?

3. What is the "truth" that Little Charles ultimately confesses in Act 2?

4. How does irony apply to Violet's character in August: Osage County?

5. What does Sheriff Gilbeau reveal to Barbara in Act 3, Scene 4?

6. What leads up to the physical conflict in the end of Act 2? How is this conflict described?

7. How is the theme of competition illustrated in Act 3?

8. How would you describe the character of Steve when he is introduced in Act 2?

9. What is significant about Barbara's comment "I'm still here" in Act 3?

10. What is the predominant theme in Act 3, Scene 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the plot structure of August: Osage County. Where in the narrative does the exposition transition to rising action? Where does the climax occur? What information is revealed in the falling action and denouement of the story?

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