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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 does Weller seek out Fonsia at the beginning of Act 2?

2. What word did Fonsia have to look up for twenty-five years?

3. Who are the Sunshine Ladies?

4. How does Weller create some levity in the middle of Act 2, Scene 2?

5. In Act 2, Scene 1, what is Weller referring to when he says "a warehouse for the intellectually and emotionally dead."

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does the weather follow Weller's cues in Act 2, Scene 2?

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

3. How did Fonsia fear the lie she told to win employment would be found out?

4. 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?

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

6. What has Fonsia done to Weller since their last meeting in Act 2, Scene 1 that has upset him?

7. Do you think Fonsia 'fed' Weller the Jack of Hearts in Act 2, Scene 1? Explain why.

8. In Act 2, Scene 1 Weller says "You can't keep anything around here." What connection does this have with Act 1, Scene 2?

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

10. How does the weather differ in Act 2, Scene 2 from other scenes? Why is it important?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The play is considered a tragi-comedy. How does the playwright balance the tragic aspects of the play with the comic?

Essay Topic 2

How much do the two characters value truth? Which character hides the truth, which one lies outright, and what does this suggest about one over the other?

Essay Topic 3

Why is Weller so driven to play cards? Why is winning against Fonsia so important for him?

(see the answer keys)

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