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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 metaphor does Jessie use when describing how meeting her future husband and getting into the groove of working at the factory had caused her life to stagnate?

2. What item does Oscar produce in order to prove to Tracey that Olstead's is advertising employment opportunities?

3. What item of her grandfather's does Tracey say is still in her locker at Olstead's?

4. What is Cynthia's first reaction to being called names by Jessie and Tracey during the factory lock-out?

5. Who is the president of the union at Olstead's?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the difference between Jessie's reaction to Cynthia's promotion and Tracey's reaction to Cynthia's promotion?

2. What reasons does Cynthia use to back up her assertion that the workers should take the concessions that will be offered by Olstead's, even if they are harsh?

3. What does Cynthia say is the reason she has not seen Tracey and Jessie as often as she used to before the labor dispute?

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

5. What evidence is there that Tracey did not visit Jason while he was incarcerated and how does this fact contrast with Cynthia's actions?

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

7. Why do Chris and Jason rush from the bar toward the factory on the Fourth of July?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the role of family within the play Sweat. What types of family relationships are represented and how does Lynn Nottage use their variety to inform many of the play's themes?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay examining how this play relates to the American Dream. Is there one American Dream or are there many different ones? What is this play saying about the American dream in the twenty-first century?

Essay Topic 3

What messages is Lynn Nottage sending about racial tensions in America in the play Sweat?

(see the answer keys)

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