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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 element of Sophie's attitude surprises Mama upon their first meeting?

2. What does Mama plan to do with the parrot, according to her comment to Christian in Scene 1 of Act One?

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

4. When Mama watches Sophie steal money, she watches her put it into what location?

5. Sophie tells Salima in Scene 3 of Act One that whenever she sings, she is praying for what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What two pieces of information about Sophie appear to convince Mama to take her in?

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

6. Describe Commander Osembenga.

7. Who is Jerome Kisembe?

8. What sort of establishment does Mama run?

9. What is the significance of Mama's query to Christian about whether he had "at least" [told] them this time"?

10. For what reason does Mama show her raw diamond to Mr. Harari?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the central purpose of the work Ruined? What response do you think Nottage wants from the text’s audience? How does each character support Nottage’s purpose?

Essay Topic 2

Trace the characterization arc of Mama’s character throughout the play Ruined. Discuss whether Mama is a round or flat character and whether she is a static or dynamic character.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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