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 2

The death of the Woman greatly affects the character of the Man and serves as a climactic event in the play. Respond with supporting examples to the following:

1) In what ways has death been portrayed in "The Sound of a Voice"? What significance do these instances of death have?

2) How is the death of the Woman symbolized? In what ways does her death reflect her life?

3) Is the death of the Woman foreshadowed in the play? Does her death seem inevitable?

Essay Topic 3

Loneliness is a central theme in "The Sound of a Voice." The Man and the Woman both struggle to break free from being alone throughout the play. Please respond with supporting examples to the following:

1) What lifestyles do the Man and the Woman have that lead them to be lonely?

2) What ways has the Woman learned to cope with being lonely? How do her ways affect the way the Man views her?

3) Do the characters learn to alleviate each other's loneliness successfully? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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