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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. Kitty is very melancholy with memories of ___________________.

2. Who is Murphy?

3. What does Joe make Tom do while the music plays?

4. Who is the frightening woman who Dudley invites to the bar?

5. What does Joe ask Mary to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Nick show his soft-hearted side to those who are down on their luck?

2. What is Joe's opinion on work and money?

3. What effect does Elsie have on Dudley when he finally sees her?

4. What are Elsie and Dudly's perspectives on loving without pain?

5. How does the author use humor in Kit Carson's character in Act 4?

6. On what topic does Tom uncharacteristically challenge Joe?

7. How is Joe described in Act 1?

8. A man called The Arab has a standard answer for everything. What does the Arab say?

9. How does Joe verbally keep Tom in a subordinate position?

10. What role do music and creativity play in the drama?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the story. Which of the characters are lonely? Are they all lonely in some way? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of women in the 1930s when the women in the novel are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

Essay Topic 3

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE is set in 1939--following the Great Depression in America and before the start of World War II. What impact did these two major events have on Saroyan? What impact did they have on his work, especially THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE. Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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