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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. How many characters are present on stage at the beginning of Act 1?

2. Who does the Young Woman complain to?

3. What does the guard instruct the Prisoner to tell the Old Woman to do?

4. How does the Young Woman respond when asked her name?

5. The Young Woman does not speak ________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the guard prod the Old Woman with a stick as she talks to her son?

2. Why is the prisoner a "joker?"

3. What do the soldiers represent?

4. Who is the most helpless character in Act 2?

5. Why doesn't the Old Woman help her son?

6. Why does Sarah Johnson look like an "intellectual?"

7. What is the Officer's attitude towards women?

8. Why does the Officer move closer to the women in Act 1?

9. Which rule(s) have changed in Act 4?

10. Does the Old Woman follow the new rule in Act 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Sergeant is the only character who appears in every scene and is the most senior person in the prison. Discuss his roles as both protagonist and antagonist and his importance to the play, both in subtlety and blatant action.

Essay Topic 2

The Old Woman is silent for the majority of the play. Discuss the themes and statements that arise through her silence.

Essay Topic 3

The Old Woman is silent but very present in the play. What does she represent? How strong or influential is she?

(see the answer keys)

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