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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. To what country's system of government does Bennett compare the anticipate Russian state at the end of his explanation of Marxist?

2. Due to a clerical error on his birth certificate, what if James Joyce's legal middle name?

3. Which of the following locations is not mentioned by Carr as he describes the horrors of the First World War?

4. To what object does Carr liken the First World War as he describes Switzerland at the end of his monologue?

5. Upon what does Tzara announce defiantly that he spits?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Joyce's falling out with Carr.

2. Why does Cecily think Henry Carr is someone else?

3. How is Art created, from Tzara's point of view?

4. Describe Henry Carr as he enters the play.

5. How does Henry Carr dismiss the writings of Marx in this section?

6. What is the purpose of Gwen and Joyce's visit in the limerick scene?

7. What is the real reason for Tzara's visit?

8. What lie does Carr argue is the artist's great achievement?

9. How does Bennett describe Tzara?

10. What new revelation regarding Bennett is revealed in the final moments of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Over the course of the play, many characters argue the virtues and vices of new art. Each of the major figures has a different view regarding art's place in society. Write an essay discussing these viewpoints, focusing on the four major characters of the play. What does each think about the role of art? What is the value of old art? What about new art like Dada? What lesson is art meant to impart to its audience?

Part 1) Henry Carr

Part 2) Tristan Tzara

Part 3) James Joyce

Part 4) Lenin

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the character of James Joyce. He is one of the most enigmatic characters in the play, but he has one of the deepest verifiable relationships with Henry Carr. The first half of the essay should concern his art. How does Ulysses fulfill a primal need that he has for literature? What special significance does he assign to the character of Odysseus? The second half should concern his attitude toward money. To what extent does indebtedness and miserliness plague his association with Carr? Is it possible that these attributes may be a creation of Carr the storyteller?

Essay Topic 3

In the confusion and madness of 1917, the characters of Travesties seem to find their only solace in art. Write an essay examining art as a constant, an anchor that secures individuals buffeted by war and revolution. Focusing on three endeavors in the play, describe the character attitude toward them. Why do they undertake them? What importance do they serve in the mad world of the play?

Part 1) Tristan Tzara and his poetry.

Part 2) James Joyce and Ulysses.

Part 3) Henry Carr and The Importance of Being Earnest?

(see the answer keys)

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