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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 what time of day does Scene 6 of Act One begin?

2. Christian reports that the dead man had been dead for how long before his body was found?

3. Christian reports to Mama that the pastor had been killed in retaliation for aiding whom?

4. How does Salima react to Mama's claim about Salima's former life?

5. What object does Mama show to Sophie just before she accuses her of stealing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Beatrice's ultimate fate, according to Salima in Scene 2 of Act Two?

2. What evidence does the audience receive about Christian's lack of sobriety in Scene 1 of Act Two?

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

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

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

6. Who is Fortune?

7. In what way is the motif of sound equated with life in the play entitled Ruined?

8. Who was Beatrice?

9. What is revealed to be the fate of the missing pastor and who delivers this information?

10. What proposition does Christian make to Mama in Scene 6 of Act One and how does she respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose an object from Ruined, such as the motor scooter, the parrot, or some other symbolic object and discuss its overall meaning and its connection to themes within the text.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the ways in which the themes of adaptability and resignation appear within Nottage’s play Ruined. What message is Nottage sending about these two themes over the course of the narrative?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the role of family within the text Ruined. What types of family relationships are represented and how does Nottage use their variety to inform many of the work's themes?

(see the answer keys)

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