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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. Which other character is present as the family has the discussion in the market?

2. What does the Corporal pull out of Makak's bag?

3. Basil makes cabinets and what else?

4. What does the Woman tell Makak about his family?

5. What does Makak narrate in his long speech during the Prologue?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Makak doesn't argue more with Moustique about his intent not to use his gifts for profit?

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

3. Was it difficult to get used to the syntax Walcott uses in this play? Why?

4. Explain the presence of the spider in Scene 1.

5. Why is Makak imprisoned?

6. How does Makak's story run parallel to that of Moses in the Bible?

7. What symbol does the spider serve in Act 1, Scene 2?

8. What is your first impression of Makak?

9. Do you think Makak's visions can best be explained by delusions, or is there an underlying cause or purpose for these visions?

10. What is Makak's reaction to Moustique's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of the Figure and the Woman in White. Are they similar in any way, or are they mostly different? What role does each play in Makak's life and worldview? How does his relationship with each character change throughout the work?

Essay Topic 2

Which characters' identities are in flux throughout the play? Why would Walcott create such confusion among characters? What does this add to the story?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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