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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 can be "rather awesome at times," according to Weller?

2. How did Weller lose his savings?

3. What is the Extended Family?

4. According to Weller, how many of his teammates attended Cobb's funeral?

5. What action does Weller take to try to mollify Fonsia as she is crying on the porch?

Short Essay Questions

1. Weller guesses that Fonsia lied to him about her son's whereabouts. What is the significance of the lie, and what other lies has she told?

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

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

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

5. Although Weller disagrees at first, why does Fonsia think he wants her on the porch in Act 2, Scene 2?

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

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

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

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

10. 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..."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

What does Weller's story about Gladys Mayes' family represent in the play? Are there common perceptions of the elderly in American society that contribute to this unseen character's unhappiness?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 645 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample