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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. In "Elements of Style," Parks suggests that every playwright begin by asking why a story needs to be what?

2. Who is the son of the master craftsman Daedalus in Greek mythology?

3. What does Lucius beat Mare with in scene "B" of "Betting on the Dust Commander"?

4. What man does Aretha tell to be patient in scene "A" of "Open House"?

5. What is Molly's name in scene "F" of "Snails"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the central premise of the essay "Possession"? What play was inspired by a dream?

5. What does Parks relate about the contemporary theatre in "Elements of Style"?

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

7. What action takes place between Lucius and Mare in scene "B" of "Betting on the Dust Commander"?

8. What does Lucius criticize Mare for doing improperly in scene "B" of "Betting on the Dust Commander"? What is her criticism of him?

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the themes, characters and actions in the short play "Third Kingdom." What is the setting of this play?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss ways in which African Americans in the past were blinded to or denied their own cultural identity. How does Parks depict this as African Americans attempting to fulfill a role created by white culture in "Pickling"?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss postmodernism in literature and the role of the "other," and analyze how these terms apply to "An Equation for Black People Onstage" and the philosophies of Suzan-Lori Parks.

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