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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. What does Delia claim was the model for Camus' The Plague?
(a) New York.
(b) Oran.
(c) New Zealand.
(d) Paris.

2. How does Dan say is the only way to feel completely safe on the sidewalks of New York?
(a) With a weapon.
(b) Stoned.
(c) Completely drunk.
(d) In daylight.

3. What do Jean and Dan argue over in Act 1?
(a) His neglect of her.
(b) Her decision to leave work.
(c) Her refusing a glass of wine.
(d) Her refusing to smoke the joint.

4. Jean asks Delia in Act 1 Part 5 if she happens to have what?
(a) A shovel.
(b) A mirror.
(c) A globe.
(d) A tarot deck.

5. Who calls Dan a Howdy-Dowdy, hale-fellow, nice guy in Act 1?
(a) Delia.
(b) August.
(c) Cynthia.
(d) Jean.

Short Answer Questions

1. Jean asks Delia, "Where does it hurt, D.K.?" What is Delia's reply?

2. Where does Dan attend college?

3. Which character says, "The natives get restless at night. The dogs raid the hen houses?"

4. What activity is Jean doing in Act 1 Part 4?

5. Delia claims in Act 1 to have a terror of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the relationship of Dan and Jean. How are they related and how long have they known each other?

2. Who is the character named Chad? How does he relate to the other characters in the play? What is his position in relation to the house and the excavation site?

3. Describe Lanford Wilson's use of narrative in The Mound Builders. In what ways does he choose to reveal the exposition of the play?

4. How does Jean feel about Chad's advances in Act 2? What does August say regarding Chad?

5. What does August say blinds a man "to the passing moon?" What does he mean?

6. How did Jean's experience as a spelling bee champion lead to her current career path? Was this a direct or indirect route?

7. Who references a Chinese puzzle box in the play? What does this metaphor relate to?

8. What is the overall theme of The Mound Builders? How is this theme portrayed?

9. Who is suspiciously holding the flashlight in the blackout at the end of Act 1? Why?

10. Which character says, "Great blinders is believing in and she's a great believer in blinders?" What does this mean?

(see the answer keys)

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