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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 offer during his argument with Ballas?

2. What is Act 1, Scene 3 trying to illustrate about Gross?

3. What is Gross searching for throughout Act 1, Scene 3?

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

5. What is the overall point that Havel is making in Act 1, Scene 5?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What do the cigars symbolize and how are they used to introduce the Staff Watcher's place in the play?

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

6. What events lead Gross to speak out against the technological advances that are affecting humanity?

7. What explanation does Ballas offer to Gross and what position does he offer him?

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

9. What is a Ptydepeist, and what is their purpose?

10. Who is Thumb and what does the character represent?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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