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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. Why is it difficult for the Old Woman to understand the guard?

2. Who does the Old Woman say is waiting for the prisoner?

3. When the Old Woman and Prisoner begin to speak, what happens to the stage lights?

4. What characterizes the Prisoner's family?

5. Why does the guard jab the Old Woman?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the guard have a hostile attitude toward the Old Woman and the son?

2. Who is in control at the end of Act 4?

3. What is the significance of the names "Sarah" and "Charly"?

4. Who is the Sergeant referring to in his last line in Act 4 where he says "these people?"

5. Will the Sergeant keep his promise that Sarah's husband will be safe if she sleeps with Dokes? Why or why not?

6. Is the Sergeant generally apologetic that Sarah is in the room?

7. Why is the prisoner a "joker?"

8. What does the Old Woman communicate through her silence in Act 4?

9. Why does Sarah attempt to negotiate with the Sergeant?

10. Why are the two women at the prison?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss what Sarah Johnson's character reveals about women in the context of the play and its broader statement about humanity.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss "men" in Mountain Language. Discuss their attitudes towards women and their authority. What is Pinter's commentary on men and masculinity?

Essay Topic 3

Although these women are faithful to the men in their families, the men are the helpless ones and, comparatively, they have all the authority. Discuss the ruptured nature of the patriarchal family system in Mountain Language.

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