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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 word characterizes Zuss' and Nickles' thoughts about J.B.'s acting abilities?

2. How many meanings does an allegorical story have?

3. J.B. sings a song that says, "To be, become, and end are all _____."

4. Some people say that J.B. is lucky, but J.B. attributes his "luck" to what?

5. Sarah sings a song to the children that wonders what?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Zuss says that it is indecent to laugh at God, what does Nickles say?

2. What do the group of women and the young girl do when they first arrive on the stage?

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

4. When J.B. prays to God for death, what is Sarah's response?

5. What is Zophar's argument about why J.B. is guilty?

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

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

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

9. How does Sarah suggest that she and J.B. see into the darkness on the other side of the door?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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

Using examples from the play to support your answer, explain what the allegory is that this play presents.

(see the answer keys)

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