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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. In Act One, how does Benare express that she likes Samant?
2. Why does Benare ask Samant to open a window in Act One?
3. What does Benare call Mrs. Kashikar?
4. What does Sukhatme propose the characters do to pass the time in Act One?
5. What does Benare say she never buys?
Short Essay Questions
1. Benare asks the other characters to sit like children because she is going to tell them a story. Then, she recites half a poem to them before changing to a song. Describe the other characters’ responses to her and what her performance says about her character.
2. In the opening scene, Benare is flirting with Samant. Provide specific examples of how Benare lets Samant know she likes him.
3. In the opening scene, Samant calls Benare a “schoolmarm,” but she appears to take offense at this because she corrects them. Explain why Benare would take offense to being called a “schoolmarm.”
4. Benare has a habit of teasing Ponkshe. Select and describe specific examples of how she makes fun of him.
5. Samant almost believes that the real President Johnson will be present for the mock trial. Explain what that demonstrates about his character.
6. For the mock charge in the imaginary play, the other characters choose the crime of “infanticide.” Explain how that foreshadows what happens later in the play.
7. In the opening scene, Benare is flirting with Samant. Is Samant aware of this or not? Explain.
8. When Benare states that she often plays games with the children at school, explain how this contradicts her earlier statements about her teaching.
9. In the opening scene, Benare sings a song in English about a “sweetheart” who “likes my looks” and “wants to marry me.” More than an innocent children’s song, the song may provide insights into Benare’s character and situation. Explain how the song foreshadows what is revealed about Benare later in the play.
10. When Benare says she forgot a book to read to pass the time before the show, Samant offers her the novel he has with him. Explain how this foreshadows what happens later in the play.
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
“Silence! The Court Is in Session!” is a play within a play: an imaginary play that is a sort of rehearsal for the mock trial scheduled to take place later. Discuss the ways in which the line between fantasy and reality is blurred throughout the play.
Essay Topic 2
When Benare talks about her teaching, she says “people are jealous.” Do you think jealousy is a motivation for the other characters’ bullying of Benare? Explain why.
Essay Topic 3
A play is in and of itself a work of art, but there are several other works of art (poems and songs) referenced in the play. Describe the role of art in the play and especially in building Benare’s character.
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This section contains 874 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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