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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 does Artie claim about himself that he believes is preventing him from having his big break in show biz?

2. Why won't Bunny agree to the condition that Artie proposes if she wants him to accompany her to see the Pope?

3. Who could Bananas' dream be a foreshadowing of?

4. What is Bananas worried that the new house Artie has found for her to live in has?

5. What is the symbolic colorization introduced in the Prologue of the play a result of?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Artie eager for success? If so, how can you tell?

2. What does the color blue mean for the characters in the play?

3. When does Artie claim he gave up on Bananas and her sanity?

4. What sign of gentleness toward Bananas does Artie have in Act I, Part II?

5. What act does Ronnie's desire to use the bomb foreshadow?

6. What dream does Artie tell Bananas about in Act I, Scene I?

7. Is Artie a sympathetic character?

8. What does the audience learn about the Prologue in Act I, Scene I?

9. Describe what Artie is doing in the play's Prologue.

10. How does Bunny get Billy to ask her to come to Australia with him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several recurring symbols throughout The House of Blue Leaves. Pick one and discuss it at length: what it means, where it is seen and why, its meanings within the play's context, why this symbol works, and how it furthers the play's narrative and meaning. Use specific examples and quotes from the play to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

Dreams appear numerous times in The House of Blue Leaves, either from Artie or Bananas. Discuss some of these two characters' dreams and why they are in the play. What is their significance? What do they reveal about the characters to the audience? Are they necessary to the play's narrative? Cite specific information and quotes from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Aside from being shown as a spotlight, the color blue is utilized at other moments in the play, revealing its true meaning is relation to the characters. How does the color blue unite Bananas and Artie? Use specific information and quotes from the play to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 664 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample