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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who has been struck blind in Act 3?

2. What does Val do at the end of Act 2 Scene 3?

3. Who does Carol say she's come to deliver a message to in Act 2 Scene 1?

4. What does Val remark about Lady's skin?

5. What is Carol doing outside the Red Crown station in Act 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the theme of sexuality and sexual repression in Orpheus Descending. Which characters are repressed? Which are not? How does Val's presence affect the town?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of Rebirth in Orpheus Descending. What symbols represent this theme? What motifs exemplify it? What imagery?

Essay Topic 3

Orpheus Descending is in part about the place of the artist in society. What role should the artist play? Is the artist always likely to be marginalized, like Val, or misunderstood, like Vee, in a conventional, materialistic society? For what should the artist stand, if anything?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 195 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample