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

2. Lear agrees to help Gross, only if he can show that his interest in Ptydepe is what?
(a) Fabricated.
(b) Sincere.
(c) A sign of acceptance.
(d) Mandatory.

3. What does Gross carry with him throughout Scene 2?
(a) A roll.
(b) The memorandum.
(c) The new log book.
(d) A pen and paper.

4. What leads to Ballas and Gross switching positions?
(a) A bet that Gross loses.
(b) A decision from the higher-ups.
(c) Gross' lack of Ptydepe proficiency.
(d) The Staff Watcher's report.

5. What does Maria offer Helena in Act 1, scene 3?
(a) A donut.
(b) Cigarettes.
(c) Onions.
(d) A roll.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Gross fear if he does not agree to the switch?

2. What does Gross attempt to steal from Stroll's desk?

3. What does Helena ask Maria to do with the bag of limes she is carrying?

4. Who receives an A, scoring better than Gross, on their knowledge of Ptydepe?

5. According to Gross and Hana's discussion, what is strange about Ptydepe, the new language being introduced?

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. Who is Thumb and what does the character represent?

3. Why does Gross report to the Training Center in Act 1, Scene 5, and what is he carrying?

4. After all of the speculation throughout the play, what are the contents of Gross' memo revealed to be, and what effect does this have on him?

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

6. What important message does Maria give to Gross at the beginning of the second part of Act 2, Scene 9, part 2 about winning, and how does it apply to his situation?

7. Explain the symbolic meanings behind some of the characters introduced in Act 1, Scene 3.

8. What reasoning does Gross give Maria for not reversing the decision about her job?

9. What are some more examples of Ballas' parallel experience to Gross' time as Managing Director that are given in the first part of Act 2, Scene 9?

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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