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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 is odd about the Duchess father's presence?

2. How does the African-American man feel about himself?

3. What is the play's stage setting supposed to represent?

4. How does Sarah claim she killed her father?

5. Where does the play open?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Sarah describe the rooms around her?

2. What did the African-American man's father tell his son was going to come after him?

3. Whose story does the African-American man tell in Part 3?

4. What did the African-American man's father do to his mother? Why?

5. What is symbolic about the mask the African-American man carries on stage?

6. In Part 1, who does the audience learn is knocking?

7. Who appears on stage with Sarah and what does he do to Sarah?

8. What does the Duchess tell Raymond about her father in Part 2?

9. Describe the character of "Negro."

10. Why is Sarah's hair falling out?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the central conflicts present in Adrienne Kennedy's play. Discuss the importance of this conflict and how it effects one character other then Sarah. How does this conflict help express the theme of racial identity? Site specific examples from the text to make your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Adrienne Kennedy's play has many complex layers. Discuss how Kennedy uses props and lighting to deliver her message to the audience. Choose three specific props or lighting techniques and discuss why you feel they are the most effective. Include in your answer, how they are used in the play, and what the props or lighting symbolize.

Essay Topic 3

Sarah and her father attempt to reconcile on Easter. Discuss why this holiday is significant to the play and to the character of Sarah. Choose one other religious theme within the play and discuss how it is relevant to the theme of racial identity.

(see the answer keys)

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