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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Act Two, what does Benare threaten to do?
(a) To sing a song.
(b) To recite a poem.
(c) To leave.
(d) To tell a children's story.

2. In Act Two, who does Sukhatme call to the witness stand after Rokde?
(a) Mrs. Kashikar.
(b) Samant.
(c) Ponkshe.
(d) Karnik.

3. How long do the characters decide it takes to spit out pan in Act Two?
(a) 15 seconds.
(b) 5 seconds.
(c) 1 minute.
(d) 10 seconds.

4. What is Benare's reaction to Samant's testimony in Act Two?
(a) She sticks her tongue out at him.
(b) She laughs.
(c) She leaves the room.
(d) She is upset.

5. What does Ponkshe call Benare in Act Two?
(a) An educator.
(b) An instructor.
(c) A teacher.
(d) A schoolmarm.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do the characters waste time debating at the beginning of the imaginary case?

2. In Act Two, why is Rokde called to the witness stand?

3. In Act Two, why can Benare not leave the room?

4. In Act Two, who does Sukhatme call to the witness stand after Karnik?

5. In Act Two, what does Rokde say Damle and Benare were doing at Damle's house?

Short Essay Questions

1. Mr. Kashikar repeatedly reprimands his wife to be quiet every time she speaks. What effect does this have on her?

2. At the beginning of his testimony, Samant does not understand Sukhatme’s line of questioning. What does that say about Samant’s character and his relationship to the proceedings?

3. At the end of Samant’s testimony, stage notes indicate that “Except for Samant, everyone’s expression changes. A peculiar and cautious excitement breaks out of each face.” Why?

4. When Ponkshe is sworn in, he places his hand on the Oxford English Dictionary. What does that symbolize in the play?

5. At the beginning of the imaginary play, the characters waste time discussing how long it takes to spit out pan. What does this say about their attitude toward the proceedings?

6. During his testimony, when Karnik asks if Sukhatme is referring to the trial or real life, Sukhatme responds, “in real life.” What is the significance of Sukhatme’s answer?

7. When Rokde is called to the witness stand, he is visibly shaking and upset. Why?

8. The characters decide that it takes exactly 15 seconds to spit out pan. How does this compare to the time allotted for Benare to defend herself at the end of the imaginary play?

9. During Rokde’s testimony, Benare calls him a “baby.” What does that say about her treatment of Rokde?

10. Both Sukhatme and Kashikar open the play by extolling the virtues of motherhood. How does that foreshadow what is revealed later in the play?

(see the answer keys)

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