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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. At the end of Scene 1 in Act One, what gesture is said to be contained within Christian's posture as he exits the room?

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

3. What is NOT an item Mama mentions as one of the three things she provides for the young women in her care?

4. The soldier had told Salima that how many Hema men had been shot and buried in their own mine?

5. Christian tells Sophie near the end of Scene 1 in Act Two that she is lucky, since many people of what type "would've left [her] for dead" (18)?

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 special talent does Sophie have?

3. What does Sophie say about her past level of education?

4. What transgression does Mama watch Sophie commit in Scene 4 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. To whom does Mama appear to pledge her allegiance at the beginning of Scene 2 of Act One and why might appearances be deceiving in this case?

7. What is the setting of Scene 3 in Act One and what is significant about Nottage's choice of setting?

8. What is Mama's policy about armed men in her establishment and what is ironic about the policy?

9. In what way has Christian struggled with addiction and how do you know?

10. Who is Jerome Kisembe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how and why Nottage instills three different humanist messages into the narrative of Ruined.

Essay Topic 2

Examine the symbolism of the use of props in the play, including the birdcage, the parrot, the motor scooter, and others.

Essay Topic 3

All of the characters in the play have specific yet varied relationships with money. Examine the theme of money in the text and how it affects the various characters.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 978 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample