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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 many maids wait near the table that J.B. and his family are sitting at?

2. Nickles says that J.B. would play his role differently if he were what?

3. What does Sarah want the children, at dinner, to do more thoroughly?

4. Who is the Distant Voice meant to represent?

5. Sarah represents what side of belief in God?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Sarah and J.B. are arguing over what subject at Thanksgiving?

3. Why does Sarah protest J.B.'s thoughts that God doesn't punish without cause?

4. Why does J.B. want to know why he is being punished?

5. What does Zuss do when he declares he's sick of the whole business?

6. Why do Sarah and J.B. let the drunken soldiers into their home?

7. What do J.B. and Sarah feel, even when they sleep?

8. How does Sarah compare J.B. and the children's views of blessings?

9. Why does J.B. tell Sarah not to ask each child if they thanked God?

10. What does Bildad say about J.B.'s claim of innocence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Sarah leave J.B.? What does her departure represent? Cite specific examples from the play to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

What is the importance, or the symbolism, of having the play set in a circus tent? Support your answer with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Does Nickles find humans more worthy of admiration than God? Use examples from the play to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 613 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample