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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. The argument of the play is that the only way to live and transcend suffering is through what?

2. What does Sarah think the two soldiers have for her and J.B.?

3. Zuss says that ______ will enable J.B. to see God more clearly.

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

5. This play, and the story of Job, are allegories for what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When Sarah suggests that there will be enough light to live by, and understand by, what is she suggesting about faith?

3. What is the story of Job about?

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

5. Why, in Scene 7, is Nickles angry at J.B.'s experiences?

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

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

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

9. What does Nickles think would make a difference in J.B.'s performance of Job?

10. Why are Zuss and Nickles unable to put on their masks in Scene 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

What is the importance of flowers in this play? What is their symbolic meaning? Use the play to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Using specific examples from the play, explain the significance of the ladder that Zuss and Nickles climb during the play.

(see the answer keys)

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