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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 was Salima picking in her garden at the time she was abducted by soldiers?

2. What action does Sophie take as she tells Salima that Fortune will not leave until he sees her?

3. How did Beatrice die?

4. The stage directions at the end of Scene 5 indicate that the lights should take what action?

5. Sophie tells Mama that she keeps her books in what location?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Sophie respond to Mama's demand to hear her plans for the stolen money?

2. In what way is the motif of escape depicted within Scene 1 of Act Two?

3. What is the setting of Scene 5 of Act One?

4. What instructions did the police give to Christian when he told them about the pastor's ultimate fate?

5. Discuss an instance when Nottage utilizes the motif of animals in order to underscore the brutality of war.

6. Which character becomes entranced by the sounds of the drums and is consequently comforted by Sophie in Scene 1 of Act Two?

7. What action does Mama take immediately after accusing Sophie of stealing in Scene 5 of Act One?

8. In what way does Nottage use physical space in order to generate a particular emotion in the audience?

9. What does the pot symbolize within the play?

10. What does Mama tell Fortune in Scene 3 of Act Two as he stands in the pouring rain outside the bar?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William Faulkner once famously claimed that the most important literature deals with the subject of the human heart in conflict with itself. Explain how the theme of Human versus Self is demonstrated within Nottage’s play Ruined. Create a decisive, arguable claim and prove it with quotes from the play.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Christian's role within the events of the play and explain how his character helps to further develop certain themes inherent in Nottage's piece.

Essay Topic 3

Explicate the theme of courage within Ruined. What is Nottage’s message regarding courage and how do you know?

(see the answer keys)

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