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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 Mr. Sergeant Smith doing in scene "A" of "Greeks (or the Slugs)"?

2. What horse does Lucius describe betting successfully on in scene "B" of "Betting on the Dust Commander"?

3. Who writes a letter to Mr. Sergeant Smith in scene "D" of "Greeks (or the Slugs)"?

4. What is the first of four short plays anthologized under the title "Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom"?

5. What refers to the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to provoke laughter and provide amusement?

Short Essay Questions

1. What imagined encounter does Aretha experience in "C" of "Open House"?

2. What imagery and sounds are depicted in the opening of "Betting on the Dust Commander"?

3. What imagery opens the play "Open House"? What characters are present?

4. What does Mr. Sergeant Smith write to his daughter in scene "C" of "Greeks (or the Slugs)"?

5. What is the relationship like between the younger and older Smiths in "Greeks (or the Slugs)"? How does this relate to other plays in the collection?

6. What metaphors can be discerned by Mare's name in "Betting on the Dust Commander"?

7. Who are the characters and what do they reveal in the play "Third Kingdom"?

8. In what ways does Parks leave metaphorical interpretation to the audience in "Snails"?

9. What image does Mr. Sergeant Smith project in scene "A" of "Greeks (or the Slugs)"?

10. How are different styles of language juxtaposed in scene "B" of "Open House"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the dramatic structure of the Classical Greek theatre and historical references in "The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World." Where and when did the traveling electric chair originate?

Essay Topic 2

Identify and analyze the central characters, themes, symbols and structural elements in "Open House." What is the author's overall statement in Aretha's metaphor?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the philosophies and techniques presented in "Possession" and "Elements of Style." What elements of form dictate content, according to the author?

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