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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What remark does Weller make in Act 2, Scene 2 that Fonsia considers the most insulting remark she has heard in her life?
(a) That Fonsia is "vindictive."
(b) "You've made [your son] feel like the lowest piece of crap on earth for so long he can't stand the sight of you,"
(c) The problem with people in the world today is that "they have a mother who's just like you,"
(d) "You and your judgments ran [your husband] right out of the house."

2. According to Fonsia in Act 2, Scene 1, if Weller could see himself, he would what?
(a) He "wouldn't act this way."
(b) He "would quit playing cards altogether."
(c) He "would go send himself to bed."
(d) He "would call a doctor."

3. According to Weller in Act 2, Scene 1, what is the hottest topic of discussion at the Home?
(a) One's funeral arrangements.
(b) The gospel hour.
(c) Canned vegetables.
(d) Family.

4. Who does Fonsia call for at the end of the play?
(a) The Nurse.
(b) Weller.
(c) For Mrs. Gibran.
(d) For her son.

5. What day does the final scene of the play take place on?
(a) Saturday.
(b) 1 week later.
(c) Visitor's day.
(d) The day after.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Act 2, Scene 1, what is Fonsia's response to the name Weller calls her?

2. How is the way in which Fonsia plays her discard in the final hand of the play vindictive?

3. According to Weller, Fonsia makes harsh judgments. How does he feel that she's judged him?

4. In Act 2, Scene 1, who does Weller claim gave Fonsia the card she needed?

5. In Act 2, Scene 2, Fonsia counters that it is Weller who is vindictive. In what way?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Weller mean when he says "people say exactly what the hell they mean- then they say, 'I was only kidding.'"

2. Fonsia criticizes Weller for being cynical. Can you provide an example from the play of Weller's cynicism?

3. Fonsia criticizes Weller for always blaming his failures on bad luck. How is this criticism true?

4. In the beginning of Act 2, Scene 1, Weller's temper is the subject of the players discussion. What is Fonsia alluding to when she says "I don't think I'm so much afraid of what you're going to do to me. I just don't know what's going to happen next..."

5. How many hands has Weller won throughout the play?

6. Explain the exchange of the sweater in Act 2, Scene 2. What could the exchange of the sweater represent?

7. What is the source of Fonsia's friction with her son?

8. In Act 2, Scene 1, are Weller's apologies sincere? What about his motive?

9. How is Fonsia reminded of her mother in Act 2, Scene 1?

10. Besides apologizing, what other emotional techniques does Weller use to convince Fonsia to play a round of cards in Act 2, Scene 1?

(see the answer keys)

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