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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. Why does Hannah say she can't go to bed?

2. What does Hannah say about Guy when Dafydd tells her what character he has chosen for Guy?

3. What is an example of "Linda trouble" given in Act 1, Scene 4?

4. Why does Hannah run out of the room when Dafydd brings Guy to his home?

5. What is the name of the character that plays the protagonist in the play being performed in the beginning of the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Guy uncomfortable with accepting the money that Jarvis sent him?

2. Describe the significance of Fay and Ian's lifestyle.

3. The comedic action is based on the concept of misunderstanding. Once Guy finally figures out what is the true nature of his invitation to Ian and Fay's home, what does his follow through on the situation say about his personality?

4. Do you think that Guy is as innocent as he is portrayed, or do you think it is a creatively crafted act?

5. What is the importance of the discussion of the overwhelming Welsh influence on the Llewellyn family? What does this mean to Hannah?

6. What is the importance of the song from The Beggar's Opera in Act 1, Scene 3? What does it add to the scene?

7. What is the symbolism of the reprieve MacHeath (played by Guy) receives from the executioner (played by Dafydd)?

8. What is the importance of the second song from The Beggar's Opera in Act 2, Scene 1?

9. Guy is barely mentioned in Act 1, Scene 3, but the reader is still able to glean additional information about his personality. What does this scene tell you about him?

10. What is the importance of tension to a play? What does it create, and what does it set up?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The relationship between Fay and Guy seems to be purely sexual. We see no obvious emotional attachment. What do you think is the entire basis for this relationship? Do you think Ian and Fay planned this complicated pas de trois? If so, why?

Essay Topic 2

Guy appears to be an innocent pawn in several different story lines in this play. He strikes the reader as easily led, if not downright naive. However, there are times when one wonders if Guy might not be so innocent, especially when it comes to his relationships with Hannah and Fay. Identify situations in the play where Guy's participation is arguably a result of him allowing himself to be led. Afterward, identify situations where he appears to be proactive. Compare/contrast the two sets of situations. What, if anything, appears to be a common factor to both sets?

Essay Topic 3

The bar seems to be a common social outlet for those involved in The Beggar's Opera. Do you think these people are serious about their roles in the play, or do you think it is more of a way to socialize? Remember, Guy joined to get back into life after the death of his wife, so we already know his motives. Do you think the others joined for similar reasons? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 940 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample