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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. About what metaphorical trap does George warn Nick?

2. How many of Nick's father-in-law's churches burned down?

3. What attribute makes Martha's stepmother like a witch?

4. How does George silence Martha as she talks about his failure to take over the department?

5. Which of the following is not a degree that George lists for himself?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Martha's plan for the rest of the night, and why aren't she and George going to bed?

2. What is George's argument regarding human chromosomes and biologists?

3. What is Martha's response to Nick's offer to protect her?

4. What do Nick and Honey learn about George and Martha's son in this section?

5. How does Nick change over the course of the play?

6. Describe Martha when she returns to the main room and how the guests react.

7. What confession does Honey make?

8. Why does George kill their son?

9. Where does the title of the play come from?

10. Describe the movie that Martha references at the beginning of the play.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about George and Martha's fictitious son, detailing how you believe they have used him as a weapon. Frame your essay by discussing three specific stories about him from the text. Be sure to mention who told the story, and whether the other contradicted it.

Essay Topic 2

Write about the past life of Martha and George. Do you believe that they actually have one, or that any part of their stories is true. Write a paragraph about three specific stories told by George and Martha, dissecting what you know to be false and why:

Part 1) The boy that killed his parents

Part 2) George and Martha's boxing match

Part 3) Martha's "fiddling" of their son

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of violence in the play, both physical and verbal. Which is more effective in the narrative? Use specific examples from the play to defend your position.

(see the answer keys)

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