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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 force does Weller decide is at hand in Fonsia's winning streak in Act 2, Scene 1?

2. What signs does Weller show of possibly having a heart attack?

3. According to Fonsia, why does she acquiesce and play a game of gin in Act 2, Scene 1?

4. In dealing the last hand of gin in Act 2, Scene 2, what does Weller do differently?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Mrs. Mayes used by Weller to get Fonsia on the porch in Act 2, Scene 2?

2. What lie does Fonsia admit to making when seeking employment earlier in life?

3. What word in particular was Fonsia daunted by when working?

4. In Act 2, Scene 1, the play takes place in the evening. What is the significance of this time change?

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

6. In what way does the rain storm in Act 2, Scene 2 complement Fonsia's emotions?

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

8. Towards the end of Act 2, Scene 1, Weller begins talking to himself. How is this 'craziness' foreshadowed?

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

10. What is the significance of the choir striking up in the last moments of the closing scene of the play? What kind of tune might they be singing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are the 'entertainments' sources of annoyance, not diversion, for Weller?

Essay Topic 2

How does the poem 'As Leaden as the Aftermath of Wine,' by Alexander Pushkin relate to the play?

Essay Topic 3

How is the game of gin in this play used as a metaphor for life?

(see the answer keys)

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