View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Christian presents "two" women "for the price of one" (9) and Mama argues that she cannot support two, what else does he throw into the deal?

2. What significant question does Mama ask Christian after Josephine takes Sophie and Salima out back to get washed up?

3. Which character ends up getting paired off for sex with Rebel Soldier 1 in Scene 2 of Act One?

4. Christian reminds Mama in Scene 1 that he has not "had a drop of liquor in" how many "years" (7)?

5. What is NOT a staple Mama mentions when she asks Christian how she is supposed to do business without four key items?

Short Essay Questions

1. What significant event occurred in Mama's life when she was 11 years old and how did it affect the shape of her future goals?

2. What event causes Sophie to lose her smile in Scene 1 of Act One?

3. What special talent does Sophie have?

4. For what reason does Salima imagine Sophie to be carefree and how does Sophie disabuse her of that assumption in Scene 3 of Act One?

5. What clue about Christian's true nature is revealed on his way out of the bar in Scene 1 of Act One?

6. What sort of establishment does Mama run?

7. Who is Christian and why is Mama surprised to see him?

8. Provide evidence of the bond between Sophie and Salima that has grown since their arrival at Mama's.

9. Describe Commander Osembenga.

10. What does Christian tell Mama about Sophie's injuries?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Sophia’s role within the events of the play and explain how her character helps to further develop certain themes that are key to Nottage's piece.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Nottage’s use of metaphor, simile, imagery, and other literary devices as a means to send particular thematic messages within the narrative of Ruined.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the interplay between the resolution of Ruined and one of the play's main messages. How does Nottage make connections between these elements and how does their juxtaposition help them get across one main message of the play?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 980 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample