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

2. Once she is alone with Christy, Pegeen spends a great deal of time:

3. The Widow Quin tells Christy that Pegeen is:

4. Pegeen is like her father in that they are both:

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What items does Pegeen say she requires in the letter she writes?

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

3. What does the Christy promise to do if the Widow helps him?

4. What plan do Christy and the Widow devise when Old Mahon comes to town looking for Christy?

5. What is Christy's reaction when his father enters the pub?

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

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

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

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

10. Why is Christy so upset to see his father in the village?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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