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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What does Hana inform Ballas the memo could possibly be?
2. What does Gross' new position in Act 2, Scene 8 represent in the overall arch of the plot?
3. What does Ballas finally do in Act 2, Scene 10 that is noteworthy?
4. Who does Hana point out does not know Ptydepe either?
5. What does Gross do on his way to lunch in Act 2, Scene 11?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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?
Essay Topic 2
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 3
At a few key times in the play, sparks of hope present themselves. This is what keeps the audience hoping that Gross can turn things around, and it is also what makes them believe it may be possible.
1) Describe some examples of hope that Gross does not see or recognize at the time they are presented to him. What is the irony of this? What does it say about Gross' character?
2) The character of Maria is consistently a main source of hope for Gross. Why do you think Gross is inclined to receive positive messages from her more than from other characters? What is it about Maria's personality that allows her to break through the bureaucracy and provide the hope Gross desperately needs?
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This section contains 465 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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