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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. Louie states in Act 1, Part 2 that Hildy left for what reason?

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

3. In Act 1, Part 4, how often does Mollie say she saw Williams between the shooting and the trial?

4. Why do the other reporters not believe that Hildy has actually quit when they hear the news in Act 1, Part 1?

5. What kind of money does Hildy tell the reporters he will be making at his new job?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where did Hildy get the money from, and how does it lead to the discussion about the money the other reporters owe him in Act 1, Part 3?

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

3. Why is Bensinger so protective of his desk and phone in Act 1, Part 1?

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

5. Through the exchange of dialogue by the reporters as they are calling in their stories, what new information do we learn about the hanging of Williams in Act 1, Part 2?

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

7. How does Burns deal with Bensinger in Act 3, Part 1, and what parallel can be drawn between that and another character in the book?

8. How does Hildy deal with the sheriff and what tactic does he use that the sheriff interestingly responds to in Act 1, Part 4?

9. 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?

10. How does money play a subtle part in Peggy and Mrs. Grant's concerns that may differ with Hildy's at this point of the play in Act 2, Part 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Burns and the mayor show many similar character traits as the story unfolds. Describe these similarities and what they mean for both characters. In particular, what does it represent for Burns in an ironic, or even hypocritical sense? Be sure to use the play to provide specific examples.

(see the answer keys)

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