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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Paul describe the imagination in this section?

2. Which Greek playwright is Ouisa said to have mockingly mentioned after seeing Cats?

3. How does Trent ironically describe his rich friends to Paul?

4. Which artist's work is bidding on at Sotheby's in this section?

5. According to Kitty what famous starlet used the alias Harriet Brown at hotels?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The very title of Guare's play indicates that it is concerned in large part with the interconnectedness of our world. Write an essay about the theme of interconnectedness. How does Paul's arrival into the Kittredges' lives draw attention to their place in society? How does this lead Ouisa to consider the six degrees? What connections create this meeting and what new connections does it create?

Essay Topic 2

Trent Conway has a smaller but resonant role in Six Degrees of Separation. His decision to take Paul home one night catalyzes the ensuing events that comprise the play. Write an essay about Trent's motivation and catalyzing effect on the play. What does Trent want? Is he accepted by any particular group? How does he see his training of Paul as a solution?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the play, several couples come into contact with Paul and are affected by the experience in profoundly different ways. Write an essay about these different relationships. How do they come into contact with Paul? What does he give them and what does he take away? How are they forced to reassess their ideas of self, love, family?

Part 1) Larkin and Kitty

Part 2) Elizabeth and Rick

Part 3) Ouisa and Flan

(see the answer keys)

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