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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. Who receives an A, scoring better than Gross, on their knowledge of Ptydepe?
(a) Thumb.
(b) Ballas.
(c) Hana.
(d) Stroll.

2. Hypothetically, the use of Ptydepe could remove what from the office?
(a) A number of positions.
(b) The need to speak.
(c) Misunderstanding in inter-office communications.
(d) Waste of paper for multiple memos.

3. What is Gross symbolically holding when Ballas and Pillar return to his office in Act 1 Scene 4?
(a) A Ptydepe Dictionary.
(b) An empty box.
(c) A paper weight.
(d) A fire extinguisher.

4. As explained in the play, what is Ptydepe designed to reduce?
(a) Clerical errors.
(b) Subordination.
(c) A language barrier between employees.
(d) Individuality.

5. What does Gross' lack of Ptydepe knowledge signal, according to Lear?
(a) That he should not be working for the company.
(b) That he is smarter than the rest of the class.
(c) That he is not genuinely interested in learning Ptydepe.
(d) That he deserved to be removed from his position.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Gross ask Lear to do for him in Act 1, Scene 5?

2. What point is the author trying to make by having Hana make separate trips for food?

3. What is Gross' main concern that leads him to become angry in Act 1, Scene 6?

4. In Act 1, Scene 6, what is the one signal of hope that Gross does not see, symbolizing that he has lost all hope in his current situation?

5. Who does the clerk's questions impress?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Stroll and Savant talk about Maria and what do they infer about Gross?

2. In the final scene of the play, what theme is brought to the forefront and what is the message Havel delivers?

3. What are some of the differences between Ballas and Gross in their experiences as Managing Director?

4. What does the fact that Gross doesn't know the answers to Lear's Ptydepe questions also symbolize, and what is ironic about it?

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

6. What does the introduction of Ptydepe signal in the play as it pertains to Gross and his position within the company?

7. Describe two main methods that Ballas uses in Act 1, Scene 4 to get Gross to comply?

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

9. What subtle things does Ballas do to maintain his power?

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

(see the answer keys)

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