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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 addresses the trainees when called to formation in Act 1, Part 2?

2. In the furnace room after Pierce accuses Pavlo's stories of being lies, what does Pierce ask Pavlo?

3. What is Pavlo's first question to Ardell after he is attacked in the barracks?

4. Who does Pierce say he is worried about while he is drunk talking with Pavlo?

5. How in the barracks during the conversation about Pavlo joining infantry did Pavlo claim his mother would react?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what ways are the playwright's use of the "collage effect" of creation especially poignant in this act?

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

3. How is it ironic that Pavlo has joined the army in order to find his true, personal identity?

4. In this scene, Pavlo seems unable to do anything for himself and is guided by the other characters' help to get dressed and go through the motions of what he is "supposed" to do. What similarities can be found between this external dressing of Pavlo and running thematic points throughout the play in general?

5. What could be surmised about Pavlo's thoughts from his comments to Miller about wanting to be on the front lines in Act 3, Part 2?

6. Explain the possible complexities of symbolism behind Pavlo's wound in this play.

7. Tower mentions the North Star more than a few times throughout the play, and finally in Act 2, Part 4. Up until this point, what are the possible meanings of these references to the North Star?

8. Theorize on the effect that the two stabbings have on Pavlo in Act 2, Part 3.

9. Explore the ways in which Pavlo is made to feel helpless in this act. Theorize on the writer's purpose for creating these moments.

10. Consider the graphic scenes presented in this part, and think about the word "mutilation." Employ this word to describe the deeper meanings of what is happening in these scenes. How are things, people, and ideas mutilated throughout this scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify, connect, and examine all elements of foreshadowing you can find in this play, not excluding these subjects: A) Pavlo's death (2x's) B) Pavlo's failure with women C) Pavlo's helplessness. Combine all moments of foreshadowing and use them to make your own opinions about Rabe's style and use of foreshadowing.

Essay Topic 2

Pavlo's experience with Brisbey is the first of several confrontations Pavlo has with the harsh realities of war and army life. Our journey as audience members is the same as his. We are confronted with graphically portrayed images of the bodies and perspectives of soldiers and civilians alike are mutilated beyond repair, even destroyed, by the way militaristic attitudes teach those willing to believe that violence is not a means to an end, but an end unto itself.

Expand upon the other ways by which Rabe devises his anti-war message to the audience, using examples to back up your thoughts.

Essay Topic 3

As new characters are introduced, we begin to realize that many of their names may not have been arbitrarily assigned. That is to say that their names have metaphorical meaning in relation to the plot and setting itself. Write an essay exploring the possible meanings behind 3 or more characters' names in the play and how those names fit the characters' words and/or actions. Conclude by crediting these metaphors to a deeper understanding of Rabe's intention in naming these characters.

(see the answer keys)

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