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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 character of Christy is portrayed as:

2. The length of time covered in Act 1 is:

3. When the character, Christy Mahon enters the scene, he is:

4. The Widow Quin tells Christy that Pegeen is:

5. Which of the following could be considered to have a significant impact on the characters' lives?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Old Mahon's story arouse suspicion for Philly?

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

4. What do Shawn's reservations about staying with Pegeen before their marriage suggest about his character?

5. Describe the irony in the villagers enthusiasm and acceptance of Christy Mahon.

6. What does Pegeen imagine Christy's life must have been like before she meets him?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Synge's use of humor extends to every character in the play. Write an essay considering:

1) The effect of Synge's humor on the more serious events of the play.

OR

2) Any humorous event or line of dialogue that directly affects the outcome of events in the play.

OR

3) The influence of humor on the development of theme in the play.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the motif of unknown and unseen dangers in The Playboy of The Western World. Write an essay in which you:

1) Examine the characters' various reactions to unknown and unseen dangers.

OR

2) Examine the possible effects of the motif on the events of the play.

OR

3) Consider the significance of the motif on the theme of the play.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the significance of storytelling to the events and theme of Synge's play. Write an essay in which you discuss the significance of a) Christy's story about his father; b) Shawn's story about his journey to Pegeen's place in Act 1; or c) Old Mahon's story about his son.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 616 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample