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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. What kind of swing does Saul mime for Lee?

2. Where does Lee tell Saul the television came from?

3. What does Lee threaten to do if Austin does finish the script?

4. When Austin mentions Lee lived in the desert, where does Saul assume he meant?

5. What sound do coyotes make in the desert?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Austin lend Lee his car?

2. How does Lee smoothly insert himself into the conversation?

3. Does Mom think Austin is cut out for the desert?

4. Briefly describe the setting at the beginning of Act 2, Scene 8.

5. Why is Lee offended when Austin offers him money?

6. Does Lee understand the difference between an outline and a first draft? Why/why not?

7. What is the significance of Austin's impulse to drive to the desert after he gets the news about his script?

8. What is one of the ways Lee makes a living?

9. Why is Lee so interested in a true-to-life modern Western?

10. How did Lee make a living in the desert?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the implications of the play's title, True West. Which brother represents the true west? Do either of them? Is there such a thing, anymore, of the west? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Austin decides to leave his current, fairly posh life and live in the harshness of the desert. Why can't Lee understand Austin's need? Does Lee adjust well to his new role as screenwriter? Even Mom does not think Austin could make it in the desert. Does Austin really need to go to the desert, or can he continue to live happily as he was?

Essay Topic 3

How is Lee similar to his father? Why is he so offended when Austin offers him money? What happened the last time Austin offered their father money?

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