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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. How does Leo feel about Ulla after meeting her in act 1, scene 8?

2. What are Leo's feelings about his life in act 1, scene 4?

3. Who makes up the chorus in the main song in act 1, scene 9?

4. How much of a discrepancy is there in Max's books for his last show?

5. Why does Roger initially refuse to direct the musical?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are Max and Leo in shock in act 2, scene 5?

2. What wordplay is being used to comical affect with Ulla?

3. How do Max and Leo convince Roger to direct Springtime for Hitler?

4. Describe the production of Springtime for Hitler.

5. How is Max responsible for Leo's absence in act 2, scene 6?

6. Why must Roger not hug Carmen at the end of the musical within a musical?

7. What is significant about the references to homosexuality in act 2, scene 2?

8. What are Max and Leo's plans for the future at the end of the musical?

9. What does Leo sing about in act 2, scene 1, and how does it affect Ulla?

10. How is Max's treatment of the old ladies different from how everyone views him at the end of the act?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Leo's character develop over the course of the play? What changes in him? What stays the same? Why does he change? Include in your answer points about his friendship with Max, the romance with Ulla, and how Leo left for Rio after their show did not flop.

Essay Topic 2

Mel Brooks introduces a few female characters who are mostly played for laughs: Ulla and Hold Me-Touch Me (as well as the other little old ladies). Is his treatment of these characters sexist? Why or why not? Points to consider:

1) How the male characters treat the female characters.

2) How the female characters view themselves.

3) The use of sex with these characters.

Create a strong thesis and cite specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Another theme of The Producers is in redemption. How does Max seek redemption throughout the play? How does Leo find redemption? How does Franz attempt to do this for Hitler? What other characters are seeking to redeem themselves in this show? What is the playwright's intent by having all these characters come together? Do they succeed? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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