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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 does Gross carry with him throughout Scene 2?

2. Hypothetically, the use of Ptydepe could remove what from the office?

3. According to Lear, how is the best way to learn Ptydepe?

4. Who does Gross attempt to persuade in order to bypass authorization?

5. Why does Ballas tell Gross that the log book needs to be replaced?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Lear explain the complexities of Ptydepe to the class?

2. As illustrated in Scene 8, what is necessary for a bureaucracy to have power over its workers, and what is this an analogy for?

3. What possibility does Lear's empty classroom at the end of Act 2, Scene 8 symbolize?

4. What does Gross' signature of the Ptydepe authorization set into motion?

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

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

7. 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?

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

9. What are two main issues that Gross has with Ptydepe in Act 1, Scene 1?

10. What are some examples of Stroll's initial behavior that further symbolize the intention of keeping Gross out of the loop?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Havel introduces many forms of symbolism by using objects to illustrate his point.

1) Choose three different objects that are a form of symbolism and describe in detail what they represent. Include how they are used in the storyline and why they are effective. What is Havel trying to tell the audience with each of them?

2) Out of the examples you chose in the first section, are there any that are more important to the plot? What makes them more important? How do they fit into the overall theme and main point of the play?

Essay Topic 2

In Scene 3 of Act 1, there is a very significant scene involving Maria, Gross, and the Staff Watcher. Describe the scene in detail, highlighting its importance and the messages it delivers. What does it specifically say about each of three characters involved? In a metaphorical sense, what do the cigars represent and why is that a key element to the story?

Essay Topic 3

A recurring theme that Havel uses through his characters is the "spin" that they provide in order to justify their actions and in some cases, hide their motives.

1) Describe in detail how Lear uses spin to legitimatize Ptydepe. Why does he use this technique when introducing and explaining the new language? What is the overall purpose for his deception?

2) Besides the example of Lear's lectures, what other time in the play was spin used to justify something or as a means to an end? Which character used it? Again, why was this tactic chosen for that specific situation?

(see the answer keys)

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