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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Toomey leaving the base to go?

2. Does Carney understand Eugene's point of view after Eugene explains what he wrote?

3. How long does Daisy have to talk to a boy at the dance?

4. How long a jail sentence did Hennessey get?

5. What does Eugene tell Daisy he wants to be?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A major structural feature of the play is the soliloquies delivered by Eugene. Discuss the use of soliloquies in the play.

1) Why does the author include soliloquies that give the audience insight into Eugene's thoughts? Why does the author use Eugene's notebooks as the source of these soliloquies?

2) How would the play be different if Eugene did not talk to the audience? How would it shift the focus of the play?

3) What does the audience learn about Eugene from his actions alone, and how does this differ from what the audience learns from hearing Eugene's thoughts and writings?

Essay Topic 2

Two of the main characters in the play are Jewish, and throughout the play, there are instances of anti-Semitism. Discuss anti-Semitism in the play.

1) Why does Eugene not stand up for Epstein when he is the victim of antisemitic comments? Why is Epstein more often a victim than Eugene?

2) Why does Toomey say that he won't tolerate anti-Semitic comments among his men? Is Toomey antisemitic or not?

3) What is the significance of the incident when two soldiers beat up Epstein in the restroom? Why does it happen, and what does it mean to Epstein? How does hearing about it affect Eugene?

Essay Topic 3

One of Eugene's primary goals is to become a writer. Discuss this goal.

1) What qualities does a writer have? Does Eugene possess these qualities? How does Eugene's writing change over the course of the play?

2) Why does Eugene want to be a writer? Why is this an important goal?

3) What does it mean to be a writer? What does being a writer demand from Eugene?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 394 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample