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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. Who would Lady slip off with in the wine garden?

2. Who does Beulah say Lady's heart was broken by?

3. In Act 1, Scene 1, Part 2, what does Carol plan to do that night?

4. What does Lady get from the cash drawer when she sees Val in the store in Act 1 Scene 2?

5. What is the name of the local highway?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Carol doing at the nearby gas station in Act 2? Why?

2. What sounds indicate that Val is murdered? How?

3. What conversation does Lady have with the Nurse about Jabe's illness in Act 3 Scene 3?

4. How is Lady shot? Who shoots her?

5. What does Lady say to Val about opening the confectionery in Act 3 Scene 3?

6. Describe the character of Carol. What does she wear? How old is she?

7. Why does Lady call the pharmacist in Act 1 Scene 2?

8. How and why did Val end up in town?

9. What does Jabe look at when he comes downstairs in Act, 3 Scene 1? What is his response?

10. How does Carol describe herself to Val?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Beulah and Carol. How are they similar? How do they differ? How do these characters feel about each other?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of individuality versus repression in Orpheus Descending. Which characters are considered non-conventional? Which characters represent a conventional or repressed viewpoint?

Essay Topic 3

Williams wrote in his introduction to the play that Orpheus Descending is about "unanswered questions that haunt the hearts of people." Some of the characters simply accept prescribed answers, but not the four main characters -- Val, Lady, Carol, and Vee. They continue to ask questions. What might those questions be, and what answers, if any, do these characters find?

(see the answer keys)

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