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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 explain to Peggy that he told Burns in the beginning of Act 2, Part 2?

2. Who is the mayor looking for in Act 2, Part 2?

3. What does Kruger report the senator has called for in Act 2, Part 2?

4. According to Hildy in Act 2, Part 1, who did Williams shoot once he got a gun?

5. What does Peggy accuse Hildy of in Act 2, Part 2?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

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

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

6. What important fact do we learn by Murphy about the Mayor and the Sheriff in Act 1, Part 2?

7. What important document does the messenger bring in Act 2, Part 3, and how does the mayor choose to deal with it?

8. 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?

9. What theory does Woodenshoes have about Williams in the beginning of Act 2, Part 1?

10. What request by the reporters is denied by the Sheriff in Act 1, Part 2, and how does the request itself depict their priorities?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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