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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. When is Duck Season?

2. What can ducks do at birth that humans cannot?

3. To what bodily function do the two compare the mystery of the ducks' purpose?

4. Which of these is not a tool used for hunting ducks mentioned by the men?

5. Why is Emil sometimes hurt by going to the park?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is George's account of the hunter who came across the ducks in the clearing?

2. Where do Emil and George go to converse, and why?

3. Why does Emil sometimes think the park is more trouble than it is worth?

4. What point does Emil make about the wild Buffalo?

5. Why did the Ancient Greeks watch birds?

6. What was George reading about the balance of nature?

7. What does Emil predict with happen in the future with disposing of leaves?

8. What other societies does George claim have been modeled after ducks?

9. What do George and Emil think about hunting ducks and stuffing them?

10. What do the fat old Ancient Greeks and the birds of prey have in common?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Arguably, Joan and Bernie are the sidekicks of Sexual Perversity in Chicago. Though they are different in many ways, are they actually two sides of the same coin? Reexamine Joan's and Bernie's journeys throughout the play. How are their problems similar? What essential problem do each of them face? How do they deal with conflict? Would you call them secondary characters? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Though Danny and Deborah start out seemingly strong, they are doomed for failure. Why? What aspects of a real relationship are incompatible for them? Are Danny and Deborah representative of a larger societal picture? Why or why not? Compare their sexual relationship to their emotional relationship---what are the differences between the two? How do each of them react to their breakup? Do you find theirs a stereotypical courtship, relationship, and parting of ways? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

David Mamet has a very specific writing style. Examine both Sexual Perversity in Chicago and The Duck Variations. How are they stylistically similar? Are they stylistically different in any way? Study these aspects in each play:

1) Dialogue, including rhythm and cadence to the character's speech.

2) Setting, including time and place.

3) Stage directions.

4) Syntax.

5) Themes.

Be sure to use examples taken from the text and to cite them correctly.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 740 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample