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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. At the beginning of Act 1, Pegeen is complaining because:

2. Considering the Irish dialect used by the author, the term "da" means:

3. One of Christy favorite pastimes after working hard all day on the farm is:

4. Which of the following characters does not appear in Act 1?

5. When Pegeen asks Christy if he is attracting many girls after telling his story, he replies:

Short Essay Questions

1. Why didn't Old Mahon leave town?

2. What is Pegeen's reason for refusing to help Christy escape?

3. What is significant about Old Mahon's description of his son?

4. What is Michael's reaction to Pegeen's change of heart?

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

6. What is a comfort to the Widow Quin at the end of Act 2?

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

8. Why is the Widow Quin interested in getting Christy to marry her in order to help Shawn?

9. Why does Shawn refuse to stay with Pegeen, even after Michael Flaherty tries to force him to stay?

10. What does Christy discover about himself during the gaming events in the village?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the various symbols used in the play. Write an essay in which you:

1) Identify any symbol and its meaning in the play; then connect the development of the symbol to the theme of the play.

OR

2) Identify any character as symbolic of Synge's statements regarding Ireland in the preface to the play.

OR

3) Identify any belief the characters espouse as symbolic, and connect the belief to the them of the play.

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

The villagers in Synge's play mention religion often. Write an essay in which you:

1) Identify any ironies between the villagers proclaimed religious beliefs and their behaviors.

OR

2) Identify 3 examples in the play where religion influences the actions or dialogue of a character, and describe their significance to the events of the play.

OR

3) Identify Synge's attitude toward religion using 3 examples of religion's influence over characters and events in the play.

(see the answer keys)

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