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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. What is the Man's response when the Woman asks where he is going in the second scene?

2. What does the Man hear in Scene 4 that wakes him up?

3. What does the Woman touch at the end of Scene 3?

4. Why does the Woman say the Man should not make jokes?

5. What does the Man ask the Woman when she tells him her fears?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the Woman say about her name?

2. Why does the Man send the Woman away in Scene 7?

3. What chore does the Man help the Woman with that he becomes excited about, and how does he react when he completes his task?

4. How does the Man react when he is awakened at night in Scene 6?

5. In Scene 8, what plans does the Woman try to make, and what is the Man's reaction?

6. What happens at the beginning of Scene 4?

7. What does the Man look at at night in the fourth scene, and what does this imply about his feelings?

8. What does the Man say happened to his friend?

9. What does the Woman say she wanted to do for both herself and the Man in the final scene?

10. What is the setting of Scene 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The use of symbolism throughout "The Sound of a Voice" has significant impact on the understanding of the plot. Using supporting examples, answer the following questions:

1) What objects provide significant symbolism throughout the play? What do these things represent?

2) What are some less significant sources of symbolism that enrich the play and the audience's understanding of the events?

Essay Topic 2

David Henry Hwang, the author of "The Sound of a Voice," is an Asian American whose heritage directly influences his work. Using examples from the play, answer the following with an essay:

1) How does the author's heritage influence the setting of the play?

2) How does the author's heritage influence the way the play is presented and the overall aesthetic?

3) What does the author reveal about his belief in the importance of cultural tradition through his writing?

Essay Topic 3

The literary technique of foreshadowing is used heavily throughout "The Sound of a Voice." Use examples to support your response to the following:

1) What examples of foreshadowing does the author use that are fulfilled by the end of the play?

2) How does the use of foreshadowing create a feeling of impending tragedy in the play?

3) What is the Woman's warning to the Man in the final scene about his fate? What does this imply for the Man's future after the end of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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