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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 most of the reporters depicted in Act 1, Part 1?

2. Who tells the sheriff that Hildy has quit the paper in Act 1, Part 4?

3. Who brings Mrs. Grant, Peggy's mother, in during Act 2, Part 2?

4. What does Hildy offer Jennie in Act 1, Part 3?

5. What does the sheriff threaten to do to Hildy in Act 1, Part 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. What joke does Hildy have at McCue's expense when the two cross paths in Act 2, Part 1?

2. How does Williams meet Hildy in Act 2, Part 4, and what does he explain to him about the police?

3. Choose one reporter's account of the escape as an example and describe how it was relayed in Act 2, Part 1?

4. How does Hildy's behavior in Act 3, Part 1 contrast with the way Burns acts?

5. What does the conversation between Hildy and Peggy at the beginning of Act 2, Part 2 bring to light, and how do they relate to Hildy's inner struggle?

6. Who is Jennie, and what is the contrasting way the reporters and Hildy act towards her at the end of Act 1, Part 3?

7. What is the general attitude of the reporters in Act 1, Part 1?

8. How is the character of Hildy Johnson introduced in Act 1, Part 1?

9. What two different meanings can be interpreted from the way the other reporters react to Hildy's leaving in Act 1, Part 3?

10. Who is Mrs. Schlosser, what rule does she break in Act 1, Part 2, and what does it say about the reporters in general?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the contrast in character of Hildy as opposed to the mayor and the sheriff. Use the entire play as a reference to explain how the actions of the Mayor and the Sheriff defined Hildy's character even more. Why was that contrast significant to the main theme of the play? Be sure to include specific examples as necessary.

Essay Topic 2

The reporters are joking in the background of many acts in the play, displaying their cynicism as well.

1) Describe three situations where the cynicism or joking is illustrated and why you think the authors included it for those specific parts of the play.

2) Describe the time or times that Hildy also participated in the cynicism and joking, and why it was necessary to show that side of his character. What did it illustrate?

Essay Topic 3

In Act 2, Part 3, The mayor and the sheriff discuss their situation and how to deal with Williams' escape.

1) Describe how the notion of blaming others is used by both the mayor and the sheriff, and what it is used to cover up.

2) Explain what using the "blame" tactic signals in a character. What type of person usually adopts it and why?

3) Analyze the idea of loyalty and how it comes into play in Act 2, Part 3 for the mayor and the sheriff.

(see the answer keys)

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