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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. Why doesn't Murray wake Sandra?

2. Who is Margo?

3. Whose bathrobe does Sandra use?

4. What is Albert carrying?

5. When Murray tells Albert that Sandra is in the closet, what does Albert think?

Short Essay Questions

1. As the curtain goes up at the beginning of Act 3, Part 1, what is Murray doing?

2. What does Arnold tell Murray is the one thing that really bothers Murray and that is his problem?

3. Describe some of the people and experiences that Murray has during his "apology spree."

4. Describe Sandra and Murray's morning routine in Act 2, Part 1.

5. In the opening of Act 2, Part 1 Murray has three different phone calls. Describe each of them.

6. Why does Sandra consider herself not to be a leader?

7. Describe the opening scene as the play begins in Act 1, Part 1.

8. Sandra starts sobbing about a lot of different things that are frustrating her about her job and her life. Describe some of the things that she is crying about to Murray at the end of Act 1, Part 3.

9. Describe Albert.

10. Describe Murray.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A Thousand Clowns has a reoccurring theme of humor. Murray uses humor and jokes quite often to help him solve his problems or reason with other people. Why do you think Murray uses humor to solve his problems? Does it work for him? Why or why not? Are there other characters in the book that use this same method of persuading people or solving problems with humor? If yes, who and what things do they do that are similar to Murray?

Essay Topic 2

How is the theme of selfishness shown in this play? Discuss the characters that are most affected by this theme and explain the way they are affected.

Essay Topic 3

In the play, A Thousand Clowns, characters mask their insecurities in specific ways. Name three characters from the play that put on a mask of protection. Discuss each character in detail. What do they do to protect themselves from the outside world? Are the methods each of these characters use always effective? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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