View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does the Corporal say he really thinks Makak is?

2. What does the disc the Figure holds represent?

3. Who offers to buy the Inspector a drink?

4. Who does Makak say appeared to him on Monkey Mountain?

5. What does the chorus sing about in the Prologue?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the character of Basil symbolize?

2. What does Makak's escape from prison symbolize?

3. How do Tigre and Souris use the Corporal's mixed race heritage to convince him to give them more food?

4. Makak and Moustique are black; explain how this affects the interpretation of their journey.

5. Describe the significance of the closing song sung by the Chorus.

6. Do you think the journey to Africa is literal or symbolical? Why?

7. Do you think Makak's quest is futile? Why or why not?

8. Do you think Walcott's use of imagery is effective in the closing scenes of the play? Why or why not?

9. What is Makak's personal truth, revealed at the end of the play?

10. How are nature and God connected in Walcott's story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify the concept of a tragic hero (or heroine). Describe one character in Walcott's play that can be described as a tragic hero, and explain how that character fits the description. Why does Walcott decide to include this particular character in his work? What does he or she represent?

Essay Topic 2

How is the tradition of storytelling portrayed in Walcott's play? What aspects of storytelling are brought together to produce a cohesive production? Do you think all elements of storytelling are necessary in conveying the message of the play?

Essay Topic 3

What is the tone of Dream on Monkey Mountain? Why would Walcott choose to write the story in this type of tone? What impact does the tone have on the way the reader perceives the characters and sequence of events?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 720 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample