View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Tracey say was the event that sent Jessie into the depths of alcoholism?

2. What reason does Chris give for not telling Jason his plans to attend college?

3. What kind of tattoos does Jason have on his face during the later of the two eras depicted in the play?

4. Who is the bartender at the bar that serves as main setting within the play's narrative?

5. How many men does Stan say will line up for Chris's job at Olstead's if he leaves to attend school?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the earlier of the two eras depicted in the play, what are the differences between Chris's ambitions and Jason's ambitions?

2. During the conversation about the open management position, how does Cynthia and Tracey's relationship experience a noticeable shift?

3. How does Brucie's experience at the union office again display the theme of racial tension?

4. How is the theme of being trapped contained within Stan's advice to Chris about his job at Olstead's and about college?

5. In what ways are Chris and Cynthia shown to have similar characteristics?

6. What does Chris mean when he says, "A man gotta have one vice that keeps him hungry" (30), and how is his choice of vice different from his father Brucie's?

7. What is Nottage's purpose for including the character of Jessie within the narrative?

8. How is the theme of racial tension presented by the playwright before any dialogue is even spoken?

9. Explain the different reactions of Chris and Jason to their respective post-prison stresses.

10. What is the author's purpose in using Tracey's character to express racist views directly to Oscar, rather than using a character like Jessie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the symbolism of the props in this play, including Chris's Bible, Cynthia's union card, and the baseball bat.

Essay Topic 2

Thoroughly analyze the climax of the play and discuss its intended effects on the audience.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Lynn Nottage's message about motherhood within her play Sweat.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,268 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample