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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 Maria ask Gross in Act 1, Scene 6?

2. Where does Gross wish he could return to at the end of Acct 1, Scene 4?

3. Why does the Department of Authentication refuse to authenticate the new log book?

4. What does Lear acknowledge about Ptydepe?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. What is Lear lecturing about during Act 2, Scene 11, and why does it cause Gross to stop and listen?

5. What are some examples of the familiarity of Ballas' morning as Managing Director and what is it similar to?

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

7. Where does Gross pass through in Act 2, Scene 8, what is he carrying, and what does that represent?

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thumb is an essential part of the bureaucratic system, even though he seems largely unaware of it. What is his specific role in the play and in the larger theme of the story? Which character traits allow him to fulfill that role? What are the more serious dangers that Thumb represents a warning against?

Essay Topic 2

The protest in Scene 10 of Act 2 is one of Havel's most blatant illustrations of the dangers he is writing the play to raise awareness of. How does the protest relate to those dangers? What does it say about the bureaucrats involved? Also, explain Pillar's specific role in the protest and the warning Havel is making through his work. Include the significance of Pillar's name and how it fits in with the character's purpose in the plot at this point in the play.

Essay Topic 3

Manipulation is one of the main weapons used against Gross throughout the entire play. Using several examples from the play, describe in detail how Gross is manipulated on a variety of different levels. What is the objective of the manipulation? Why is it effective? Overall, why is manipulation necessary to the way a bureaucratic system functions? How does the play illustrate the way manipulation can lead to control over someone?

(see the answer keys)

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