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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. Shawn Keogh's nickname is:

2. Pegeen is referred to as "Pegeen Mike" in the story because:

3. Pegeen's approximate age in the play is:

4. Christy responds to Pegeen with, "We're alike so" after she tells him:

5. When Pegeen and the men hear Christy's secret, they are:

Short Essay Questions

1. Why won't Christy run to avoid the crowd that wants to hang him?

2. Describe Pegeen's personality.

3. How does Old Mahon finally see Christy?

4. What do we learn about Christy's character from Old Mahon?

5. Why is dispensation needed for Shawn to marry Pegeen?

6. Why does Pegeen say she is the fright of seven townlands?

7. Why do so many townspeople accompany Christy back to the pub?

8. Describe the manner in which Pegeen treats Shawn and explain why.

9. Describe Shawn's reaction to Christy being offered the job as potboy.

10. Why do Jimmy, Philly, and Michael James think that Christy will make a suitable potboy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the significance of characters' physical appearance in the play. Write an essay in which you a) Discuss the change in Christy's appearance and its significance to his characterization; b) Discuss the difference between Shaun and Christy's appearance as they are described by the author, and consider the significance of this to Pegeen's actions; or 3) Consider the significance of Pegeen's appearance, as it is described by the author, to the events of the play and the actions of the male characters.

Essay Topic 2

Discussions of courage appear throughout Synge's play. Write an essay in which you:

1) Describe any single character as courageous and use examples to support your ideas

OR

2) Describe any single action as courageous and use examples to support your ideas.

OR

3) Describe the lack of courage displayed by the majority of characters throughout the play, and use examples to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

In Act 3, Philly and Jimmy have an extended discussion about skulls. Write an essay in which you consider a) The symbolic meaning of skulls in Act 3; b) The characterization of Philly and Jimmy through their discussion of skulls; or c) The significance of the exposition revealed in Philly and Jimmy's conversation to the theme of the play.

(see the answer keys)

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