View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Roma in Scene 3, everyone is what?

2. To what substance does Roma compare his testicles when discuss his best sexual experience?

3. Which of the following is not a hypothetical way a person could learn about owning property that Roma lists in Scene 3?

4. What does Levene say is Williamson's job?

5. Where does Act 2 take place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 1, Scene 3, Ricky Roma speaks at length about the world, fear, morality, and eventually real estate. Analyze this monologue, dividing your examination into three parts:

Part 1) In the beginning of the scene, Roma is engaging James Lingk in a frank discussion about moral codes. About what does he assure Lingk? What does he believe about middle-class morality?

Part 2) The body of Roma's, monologue concerns the things that drive human beings to fear full paralysis. What are these things? How does Roma free himself of them? How does he recommend Lingk do the same?

Part 3) What is the ultimate objective of Roma's soliloquy? How does he make this objective clear at the very end of the scene? How has the rest of the monologue been at service of this objective?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of authority is ambiguous in Mamet's play. On the one hand, even a small amount of power affects many people in this small, claustrophobic world. On the other hand, being in a position of authority draws open ire and isolation. Write an essay on the subject of power, in two parts:

Part 1) Williamson and Baylen are arguably the most powerful characters in the play. From where does this power derive, and how does each use it? What price do these men pay for the authority they have over other men.

Part 2) The essential conduits of absolute power in the play are the unseen Mitch and Murray. Examine the nature of this power. In what ways do the salesmen alternately regard them as fathers and tyrants?

Essay Topic 3

In accordance with his interest in misdirection and scheming, Mamet's work is know for its critique of the English language. Primarily, the playwright argues that the language is misleading and imprecise. Write an essay on Mamet's ambiguous language, focusing on Moss's interchange with Aaronow regarding the robbery. How does Moss parse the words "talking" and "speaking?" How does this allow him to entrap Aaronow?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 430 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample