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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. Joe is always eager, yet always ____________.

2. Why does Joe decide to unexpectedly accompany Tom to see Kitty?

3. Why does Nick think so many different types of people come to his bar?

4. Who buys all the papers the newsboy has?

5. What color hair does Nick, the bar owner, have?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author use the different characters to show the different elements that make up American society?

2. How does the author foreshadow some conflict regarding the character of Blick?

3. How is Kitty Duval described in Act 1?

4. How does Tom play into Kitty's childhood dreams of what she wanted for her life?

5. How do Nick and the bar serve a purpose for Krupp who is in distress over the state of his life and the world in general?

6. How is Dudley described in Act 1?

7. How is Joe described in Act 1?

8. What does Krupp think people want in their lives?

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

10. How does the author show that Joe is trying to be a better person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall setting for the play. Why does Saroyan use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 2

The story takes place as America is still recovering from the Great Depression. Explain the significance of the Depression on America in general and the patrons of Nick's bar in particular. What impact did the Depression have on the choices that Nick and Joe made? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

The role of a melting pot of characters is an important element in this story. Cite three examples noting the role of this motley crew in general. Then cite three examples that showcase characteristics that these individuals share.

(see the answer keys)

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