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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. How does Benare respond to Karnik's testimony in Act Two?

2. What does Ponkshe discuss in his opening remarks for the prosecution in Act Two?

3. How does Samant initially respond to Sukhatme's line of questioning in Act Two?

4. How does Benare plead?

5. What does Samant think of Benare in Act Two?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of Samant’s testimony, stage notes indicate that “a peculiar joy begins to show on everyone’s face but Samant’s.” Why?

2. In his testimony, Samant says the door to Damle’s room was locked. What does that foreshadow in the play?

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

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

5. When Ponkshe is testifying, Benare sticks her tongue out at him. What does that say about her character?

6. Benare repeatedly calls Rokde “Balu” even though he asks her not to call him that. What does that say about her character?

7. Rokde testifies that he saw Benare alone with Damle, to which she responds that she could provide the names and addresses of 25 more people with whom she is alone at times. What is telling about her response?

8. The tone of the play shifts from light-hearted joking to vicious bullying of Benare that leaves her devastated. What scene can be said to be the turning point in the play?

9. During the imaginary play, Kashikar leaves the room to go to the bathroom and has a habit of cleaning his ear with an earpick. What does that say about his attitude toward the proceedings?

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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One could argue that Benare has a contradictory character. Select and describe ways with specific examples in which Benare is hypocritical or contradicts herself. Discuss whether or not her conflicting nature justifies the other characters’ bullying of her.

Essay Topic 2

The overriding plot of the play is the bullying of the central character, Benare, by the other characters. Relate that situation to your own experience being bullied, if applicable, using specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Many of the characters speak repeatedly about the difference between right and wrong, morality, and social responsibility. One of them is a social worker, and another is a lawyer. However, they treat Benare – and one another – with a lack of compassion and empathy. Explore the disconnect between the characters’ public views on morality and their private practice of how they treat other people.

(see the answer keys)

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