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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. How are the different scenarios represented in the play?

2. What is Adam happy about as God approaches him?

3. What theatrical device is used to bring Eve onto the stage?

4. What is preacher Deshee doing as the play begins?

5. How does God speak?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the people refuse to bury Flatfoot after Cain the Sixth stabs him?

2. What is unique about THE GREEN PASTURES for its day?

3. Describe the activity of the girl sitting on a tree stump when God sees her.

4. What is the point of view for the plot to proceed?

5. What is the scene like in Noah's house?

6. Explain the setting for the play.

7. What does the ark look like as it is built?

8. What does Adam seem to be very proud of?

9. How does Noah describe the condition of mankind on Earth?

10. How does preacher Deshee describe God when the children want to know what he looks like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, The Children in THE GREEN PASTURES. Discuss the use of children as a dramatic device to set up the plot of THE GREEN PASTURES. Note that the children are stereotypical of children in general rather than as racial caricatures. Include examples of incessant questions, fidgeting in Sunday School, and angelic children misbehaving in the heavenly fish fry.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Costuming in THE GREEN PASTURES. Going from the Cherubs to the adult angels to the unnamed Archangel to Gabriel and, finally, to God, discuss how costuming makes clear the relative ranks of the individual characters.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, The Contrast Between Noah and the People. Your essay should go into the details of the people's behavior that causes God to want to destroy them all; the efforts of Noah to preach to the people; and, finally, the fact that only Noah is disturbed when the people refuse to bury Flatfoot after his murder.

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