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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. In the three-way-split conversation that occurs in Act 2, who is Barbara speaking with?

2. Who at the dinner table is vegetarian in Act 2?

3. For whom does Johnna say she works at the Weston home in Act 3, Scene 3?

4. What does Barbara accuse Violet of being at the dinner table in Act 2?

5. For how many years does Charlie say he's been married to Mattie Fae in Act 3, Scene 1?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How has Barbara's character evolved in Act 3, Scene 2?

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

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

6. Who is Little Charles? What is his relationship to the Weston family?

7. What is significant about Ivy's revelation of who she is seeing in Act 2?

8. What is the violence in Acts 2 and 3 representative of thematically?

9. What conversation takes place between Charlie and Mattie Fae when they are left alone in Act 3, Scene 1?

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

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 Barbara's relationship with Sheriff Gilbeau. How is the history of Barbara's relationship with Gilbeau described? What is their current relationship like? How does this relationship evolve?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the author's use of irony and subtext in August: Osage County. What are examples of dramatic irony in the work? What are examples of verbal irony? What are examples of situational irony? What purpose does each example serve?

(see the answer keys)

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