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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. What does Pierce first drunkenly say to Pavlo?

2. Who does Pavlo says writes to him concerning Joanna?

3. When the trainees are called to formation by the second whistle blow of the play , what does Pavlo do while Pierce prepares to go?

4. What game does Hendrix challenge Pavlo to when they first meet?

5. Where do the Corporal and Pavlo meet for the first time?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Brisbey's talk on the depth of the ocean a metaphorical slight towards Pavlo?

2. Theorize about the significance of the story Pavlo relates of the girl who seemed like a "robot."

3. Theorize as to Parham's purpose in the play besides being another wounded soldier/dead body for Pavlo to save in Act 2, Part 3.

4. How is Pavlo egocentric, almost childish? Explore the ways in which these traits are dramatized.

5. What dramatic changes occur to Pavlo and his mentality in Act 2, Part 4?

6. How is Pavlo made to feel helpless in Part 4?

7. Choose and explore one character trait of Pavlo that is revealed in the beginning of this play.

8. The image of the closed coffin is the final component of the play's collage, the last piece of the puzzle that once was Pavlo's life. Describe it's effects, and comment on the general purpose of the play overall.

9. How does Pavlo's answer Kress regarding stealing and how does this provide an insight into Pavlo's egocentric nature?

10. Although Kress seems to be convinced that Pavlo is stupid, is this an accurate assumption? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pavlo's wish to become "bone" is repeated twice in this short play. Theorize on the metaphorical implications of these two moments, comparing the similarities and differences between them and finally giving explanation as to the importance of these two situations occurring for Pavlo's character.

Essay Topic 2

Pavlo seems to have had dysfunctional relationships with all of his family members and quite possibly his ex-girfriend with whom his mother at one point interfered, as Pavlo referred to in Act 1, Part 3. Using each family member as a starting point for each paragraph, make a hypothesis about how each of these relationships with his family members has affected his personal outlook, thus leading him to join the army for a better life.

Essay Topic 3

As soon understood by the audience, scenes take place in different time frames, places, and even on different planes of existence; such as Pavlo being alive or Pavlo being dead. How is this narrative structure key to appreciating the play's style? Consider the phrase "the whole is more than the sum of its parts," and sum up your findings about the style of this play using this phrase to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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