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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. How are the two main characters related?

2. What does Maggie offer Brick as some relief from the summer heat?

3. What does the doctor intend to tell Big Mama tonight?

4. What does Big Mama think Big Daddy's disease is?

5. What function does the setting also serve?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why it is difficult for Maggie to have any privacy with Brick in their bedroom.

2. Explain the irony in Brick's relationship with Skipper.

3. What are Big Mama's observations of Big Daddy's evening?

4. Why must Maggie tell Brick everything that happened at the family's dinner that evening?

5. What is Big Mama's reaction after learning of Bid Daddy's terminal cancer diagnosis?

6. What is the irony of Brick's hatred of mendacity in others?

7. What is the premise and the setting for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof?

8. What is the official start of Big Daddy's birthday party?

9. What is Big Mama's reason for abruptly entering Brick and Maggie's bedroom?

10. What is one way that Maggie might be able to endure this period of sexual deprivation in her marriage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the symbolism of Brick's crutch. Why does Williams give Brick a broken ankle? Does Brick's immobility force a climax in his relationships? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Why does Brick exhibit such indifference toward Maggie? Why does he want to hurt her when he knows that withholding affection is as debilitating as a physical wound to someone like Maggie?

Essay Topic 3

Why have Gooper and Mae foregone their normal hiatus to the Great Smoky Mountains this year? Why do they think it is a critical time for them to spend time at the Pollitt plantation?

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