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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. How does Stroll exit in Act 1, Scene 3?
(a) Suddenly.
(b) Slowly.
(c) Angrily.
(d) Involuntarily.

2. What is further illustrated in Scene 2?
(a) The tension between Ballas and Pillar.
(b) The eating habits of Hana.
(c) The foolishness of Ptydepe.
(d) The dislike between Gross and Ballas.

3. According to Lear, how is the best way to learn Ptydepe?
(a) Slowly.
(b) With unshakeable faith.
(c) With an abandonment of English.
(d) By speaking it every day.

4. What does Ballas constantly look to Pillar for?
(a) The meaning of words.
(b) To finish his sentences.
(c) Humor.
(d) Confirmation.

5. What is Act 1, Scene 3 trying to illustrate about Gross?
(a) He has no desire to learn Ptydepe.
(b) He is being kept out of the loop.
(c) He is being deliberately given too much information at once.
(d) He will have to rely on Maria from this point on.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Maria ask Gross in Act 1, Scene 6?

2. Gross is being intentionally forced to lose more of what?

3. What is Gross rumored to be using inappropriately?

4. What do Stroll and Savant offer as proof for their theory that Gross "lusts after" Maria?

5. Who does Gross talk to while he is waiting for Helena?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is it about Gross' life that leads him to believe he might not be able to "fight for his innocence?" What reasoning does he give Maria?

2. How does Gross justify his situation to himself towards the end of Act 1, Scene 4?

3. Describe the difference between Thumb and Gross as the characters are portrayed in Act 1, Scene 2.

4. What is the recurring theme that Pillar's meetings bring back and why do they upset Ballas?

5. What is ironic about the way the conversation between Gross and Ballas starts and the way it concludes, specifically concerning Gross' job?

6. How is the symbolism of the fire extinguisher heightened at the beginning of the second part of Act 2, Scene 9, part 2 with George and Gross?

7. What do we notice right away about the relationship between Ballas and Pillar?

8. What are the noticeable habits of Hana, the secretary, that are displayed in the beginning of the play?

9. What are some examples in Scene 6 of Gross being continually kept of the loop?

10. What is significant about Gross' search for cigarettes and what does Havel use it to represent in the play?

(see the answer keys)

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