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

2. The play was first published in the year:

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

4. Pegeen's relationship with her father can be described as:

5. Christy describes himself to Pegeen and the men as:

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Christy react when he offered the job as potboy?

2. How do Philly and Jimmy appear to feel about Christy?

3. What is the nature of Christy and Pegeen's conversation after the crowd disperses in Act 3?

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

5. What do Michael and Shaun report has finally arrived?

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

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

8. What does the Widow learn from Old Mahon about Christy's former love life?

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

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

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

Consider the title, "The Playboy of the Western World." Write an essay in which you:

1) Identify the titular character and use examples to describe how the title applies to this character.

OR

2) Explain the meaning of the title and describe its significance to the theme of the play.

OR

3) Evaluate the effectiveness of the title and offer an alternate title that better fits the events of the play.

Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

There are several plans for weddings and wakes in Synge's play. Write an essay in which you a) discuss the significance of any plan for a wedding or a wake to the events of the play; b) discuss the significance of any wedding or wake to the theme of the play; or c) discuss the significance of the contrasting motifs to the theme of the play.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 660 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample