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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the soldier pursuing Yen in the opening scene of Act 2, Part 2?

2. What does Ardell say about the frailty of human flesh?

3. What does Pavlo say he loses his temper over in his speech in Act 2, Part 5?

4. What does Towers say one can do if lost?

5. What is Pavlo doing when Ardell appears in Act 2, Part 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 2, Part 3, Pavlo is again confronted with a vivid reminder of how destructive war is. The juxtaposition here, between his enthusiasm for killing and the violence he encounters, in terms of what happens to Parham and what happens to him dramatizes even more vividly the discrepancy between what he wants to see and the reality in front of him. In what ways does Pavlo deal with this discrepancy? Would you say it is healthy? Why or why not? Support your thoughts with examples.

Essay Topic 2

As the collage takes shape, we see how Pavlo joined the army in order to define himself, and we see how Pavlo ends, with a defined identity as a dead soldier. Using the platform of Rabe's anti-war sentiments that run throughout this play, explore how Rabe's choice to expose Pavlo's death so early on in the play creates an even more powerful statement against the fortunes of war.

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.

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This section contains 367 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample