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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. When Tracey verbally attacks Cynthia at the bar when they see each other for the first time since the factory lock-out, how long does Tracey say it has been since she has been out of the house?

2. What name does Tracey call Cynthia when seeing her for the first time since the factory lock-out?

3. After Tracey sees Oscar's flyer advertising employment at Olstead's, in what location does she see more of the same fliers?

4. How many employees did the City of Reading fire in May of 2000, as stated in the news briefing at the start of Scene 5 of Act 1?

5. When Cynthia is talking to Stan for the first time since the factory lock-out, how long does she say it has been since she has slept?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Cynthia's response to Tracey's accusation that the bosses have probably sent Cynthia to the bar?

2. What reasons does Brucie give Chris when he gives him the advice to take the small concessions offered by Olstead's?

3. How is overlapping dialogue used to indicate closeness between characters at Jessie's birthday party?

4. What is Oscar's true purpose for going outside where Tracey is smoking outside of the bar?

5. What does Chris's habitual asking of which beers the bar has on tap reveal about his character and worldview?

6. What does Tracey mean when she says that Oscar does not know her during their conversation outside the bar?

7. How does the mood of Jessie's birthday party change when Tracey arrives?

8. What is Cynthia's reaction to the distance Chris is trying to maintain between them upon his release from prison?

9. After the factory lock-out, what hypothesis does Cynthia share with Stan about why she may have been hired in the first place?

10. To what circumstances is Jason referring when he asks Tracey, "How the fuck did this happen?" (66)?

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

Discuss Stan's role within the events of the play and explain how his character helps to further develop certain themes inherent in Lynn Nottage's piece.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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