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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. What is the name of Hildy's paper that he is leaving?

2. What rule do Schwartz and Murphy say that Mrs. Schlosser has broken at the beginning of Act 1, Part 2?

3. How does the sheriff suggest to the reporters they can get more tickets to the hanging?

4. Why does the conversation between the woman and McCue end in Act 1, Part 1?

5. What does Mrs. Grant tell Peggy and Hildy when she first arrives in Act 2, Part 2?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the final scene between Peggy, Hildy, and Burns tie in with the theme of the entire play, in particular, how it relates to Hildy's decision?

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

4. What is the reason that Burns is upset with Hildy's story at the beginning of Act 3, Part 1, and what does that illustrate about his character?

5. How does Peggy react to Hildy's news in the beginning of Act 2, Part 2, and why?

6. What does Williams tell Mollie about the escape and where he has been the whole time in Act 2, Part 4?

7. How does Mollie react to the reporters and what does Murphy do to cause her to leave in Act 1, Part 4?

8. 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?

9. What is the main point or reason for the argument between Peggy and Hildy at the end of Act 2, Part 5?

10. What are some of the interesting things that we learn about the sheriff in Act 1, Part 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hildy and Burns are two characters that conflict with each other, yet seem to find common ground throughout the play. Chronicle their interaction, using examples to highlight the major differences between the two characters, and any similarities. How does Burns, in a way, help Hildy make his decision at the end of the play?

Essay Topic 2

What statement does the opening of the play make about reporters and the press in general? Use examples from the entire play to follow that statement and describe in detail if it changes or is reaffirmed.

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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