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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 does Hildy tell Burns about the story he is giving him in Act 2, Part 1?

2. What does Murphy say the Sheriff and Mayor will get a lot of after the execution?

3. Why does Williams think the Mayor and city are trying to hang him?

4. What upsets Kruger when he hears about Hildy quitting in Act 1, Part 1?

5. What does Hildy joke about as McCue is leaving in Act 2, Part 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Louie report to Burns in Act 3, Part 1, and why is the response of the characters significant?

2. What key role does the messenger play in Act 3, Part 3, and how do Hildy and Burns capitalize on it?

3. How does Williams surprisingly reply to Mollie in Act 2, Part 4 when she offers to escape with him?

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

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

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

7. What is the reaction of the reporters to the news of Hildy leaving in Act 1, Part 1, and what does it say about what Hildy and Burn's relationship may possibly be like at this point in the play?

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

9. What does the beginning conversation between the mayor and the sheriff in Act 2, Part 3 reveal about the past and how it relates to the present situation?

10. According to Hildy in Act 2, Part 1, how did Williams get the gun in order to escape from jail?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 2, Part 4, Mollie throws herself out of the window to protect Williams. That act affects the characters and the theme of the play in various ways.

1) Describe how Mollie's desperate decision affected Hildy, his situation, and the possible ways it may change how he views his upcoming decision.

2) Describe the way Mollie's actions affect the other reporters. What does it show about the possible dangers of their outlook throughout the play?

3) Explain the literary effect of Mollie's decision. Which techniques does it represent and why?

Essay Topic 2

In Act 2, Part 4, Williams escapes from jail, causing Hildy to act on his reporter's instincts and choose to follow the story. Analyze his decision at that point in the play based on two factors:

1) Was the decision made purely out of instinct, or did he consider the alternatives, and consciously make it?

2) What is the association between Hildy's character and his decision? Based on the kind of person he is and the values he has, did he really have a choice? Why or why not?

Be sure to include specific examples from the play to support your opinions and analysis.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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