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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What word characterizes Zuss' and Nickles' thoughts about J.B.'s acting abilities?
(a) Positive.
(b) Grand.
(c) Negative.
(d) Sympathetic.

2. When the lights fade at the end of Scene 1, what shadows are left on the ceiling of the tent?
(a) The shadows of Mr. Zuss and Mr. Nickles.
(b) The shadows of death and destruction.
(c) The shadows of God and Satan.
(d) The shadows of the God-mask and Satan-mask.

3. When Mr. Zuss says that the world is a great place, what does Mr. Nickles say it is?
(a) A waste land.
(b) A dung-heap.
(c) A trash pile.
(d) A garbage dump.

4. What is the modern day religion closest to existentialism?
(a) Catholicism.
(b) Judaism.
(c) Buddhism.
(d) Islam.

5. According to the allegory this play represents, human life is lived according to what?
(a) God's pleasures.
(b) God's will.
(c) Man's will.
(d) Man's pleasures.

Short Answer Questions

1. When J.B. makes a reference to Sarah's love of flowers, he is referring to what?

2. The lesson of the allegory that this play represents is that we can face whatever happens with acceptance and grace. Which character represents this viewpoint?

3. Before Zuss can shout out his faith in J.B.'s faith, Nickles asks him what question?

4. At the end of Scene 2, after Zuss and Nickles quote lines, the lights change and the audience is taken where?

5. Mr. Zuss says that evil is never ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the use of shabby costumes on the Three Comforters suggest?

2. What does Zuss tell Nickles that there is left to complete in the story, when Nickles says that there couldn't possibly be more?

3. What is similar about the argument at the end of Scene 7 between Zuss and Nickles to other arguments in the play?

4. When Nickles says that Zuss should look pleased because J.B. is playing the role Zuss wanted him to, what is Zuss' response?

5. How would you, as a reader, sum up the whole of Scene 10?

6. When the maids bring out the food, what do the children and J.B. say?

7. How does Nickles refer to God?

8. How does Scene 2 reinforce the idea that this play, and the biblical story, are allegories?

9. Why does Zuss think that nothing would influence the way J.B. acts, and that certainly being poor will not influence him?

10. What does placing the conflict of faith and fear in the relationship of a husband and wife suggest?

(see the answer keys)

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