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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 length of time covered in Act 1 is:

2. What does Michael James expect Shawn to do in Michael's absence?

3. Christy Mahon's big secret is that:

4. A "shebeen" is a:

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What deal does the Widow Quin offer in exchange for her help with Shaun's problem?

2. Describe the two rivalries that are apparent by Act II.

3. What occurs between Christy and Old Mahon when the crowd arrives and learns the truth?

4. Explain the role that religion plays in the story?

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

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

7. Why does the Widow Quin feel she would be a better fit for Christy than Pegeen?

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

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

10. What function do Michael Flaherty and his friends, Philly and Jimmy perform at the wake of Kate Cassidy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Consider the differences between appearance and reality in the play. Write an essay in which you discuss:

1) The difference between Christy's appearance and his reality.

OR

2) The difference between any characters' statements and their behaviors.

OR

3) The significance of appearance and reality to the events of the play.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 651 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample