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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. Jean asks Chad if he will move the house when the lake comes in. What is his response?

2. What is shown on the slide that August states is out of place in Act 1 Part 4?

3. Who is revealed to be having an affair with Cynthia near the end of Act 1?

4. Who appears with Jean in front of the slide of the lake in Act 1?

5. Jean asks Delia in Act 1 Part 5 if she happens to have what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is the mask that was discovered made of gold? Why does August state that it is?

2. Who arrives drunk after fishing near the end of Act 1? What is the relationship of these two characters?

3. What is the outcome of "Legacy" to August at the end of the play? How does this make him a Tragic Hero?

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

5. What is the primary motif used in the play? How does this motif symbolize the main character, and how does it relate to the theme?

6. Describe the term which refers to the use of projections in the play. What effect does this theatrical device serve?

7. What is implied by August's description of Cynthia as "an ex-relation by marriage?" What literary term would this comment be considered?

8. What is revealed to Dan in Act 2 Part 4 regarding the building of the highway? Who is responsible for this?

9. The Mound Builders is unique in its depiction of time. Explain the two different periods of time which are illustrated in the play and how this differentiation is made clear to the audience (and reader).

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the characteristics of the ancient civilization being discovered in The Mound Builders. How do these characteristics relate to the characteristics of the characters within the play?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characteristics of Jean and Delia. How do they relate to each other and to other characters throughout the play? How are their appearances similar or different? Compare their outlooks on life, their philosophies and religious beliefs. What other characters in the play do they most reflect?

Essay Topic 3

The characters of August and Chad are central to the action in The Mound Builders. Compare and contrast the characteristics of these characters. How do their backgrounds affect who they are today? What do we know about them based on their appearances and their actions? How do their actions or in-actions affect the outcome of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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