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

2. What does Hildy's response to the fire show in Act 1, Part 3, that some view as contradictory to his other behavior in the play so far?

3. According to Bensiger in Act 1, Part 1, what do the other reporters use his area as?

4. What does the mayor want to know from the sheriff in Act 2, Part 2?

5. What does the woman report to McCue, the reporter, at the beginning of Act 1, Part 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Mollie say she saw Williams and how does she explain her relationship with him to the reporters in Act 1, Part 4?

2. What is surprising about the way Burns reacts to being arrested in the beginning of Act 3, Part 3, and why do you think he reacts that way?

3. 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?

4. What are the mayor's orders to the sheriff about Williams at the end of Act 2, Part 3, and what influences them?

5. What does the way Williams escapes from jail reveal about the sheriff, and what is the sheriff's response to it in Act 2, Part 2 tell us about his character?

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

7. 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?

8. What do the other reporters illustrate when they urge the sheriff to interrogate Hildy in the beginning of Act 3, Part 2, and how does it contrast with what Hildy is doing?

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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