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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. The ethnic background of the characters in the play is:

2. The responsibility of barkeep in Michael James' establishment falls to:

3. Pegeen's discussion with Christy after her father leaves is interrupted by:

4. In his first conversation with Pegeen, Shawn's character is revealed as that of a:

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the Widow Quin mean when she calls Christy "The Playboy of the Western World?"

2. What finally saves Christy from being hanged?

3. How does the Widow try to dissuade Philly and Jimmy from following Old Mahon?

4. Describe the relationship between Pegeen and her father, Michael.

5. Describe how Pegeen gets Christy to tell them why he is running from the police.

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

7. What of man if Christy's father, according to Christy?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fathers play a prominent role in The Playboy of the Western World. In an essay:

1) Describe Pegeen's father as either successful or unsuccessful in raising and caring for his daughter.

OR

2) Describe Old Mahon as either successful or unsuccessful in raising and caring for his son.

OR

3) Identify the role Synge has created for fathers in his play.

Use examples from the text to support your essay.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the contrasting motifs of impulse and caution in the play. Then write an essay in which you a) Identify three examples of impulse or caution that directly affect the course of events in the play; b) Compare and contrast an impulsive character and a cautious character; or c) Directly relate the motifs of impulse and caution to the theme of the play using examples of characters' behavior to support your point.

(see the answer keys)

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