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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Burns tell the mayor, after being arrested in Act 3, Part 3?

2. According the mayor in Act 2, Part 3, what isn't real?

3. What does the sheriff tell the warden in Act 3, Part 3?

4. What are Hildy and Burns charged with in Act 3, Part 3?

5. How long does Burns think it will take his men to get there at the beginning of Act 3, Part 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Explain how Hildy's actions in Act 1, Part 3 seem contradictory. Use a description of the events in the Act 1, Part 3 to illustrate the contradiction. Also, include possible reasons for it. What does it say about Hildy's character?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 380 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample