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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What two elements does Kreton link together as he tries to entice Conrad to war?
2. Whose pet does Ellen say the cat is?
3. Who does Kreton trust with his secret of taking over the world?
4. What does Kreton gather is unacceptable regarding sleeping arrangements?
5. What does Kreton suggest second to begin his plan to take over the world?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
There is a scene in the play in which Kreton is served breakfast by Ellen, which consists, in part, of bacon. Answer the following in relation to that scene.
1. What is Kreton's reaction to the bacon? Why? What is Ellen's response? What does this say about Ellen's opinions of eating meat? What does this say about Kreton's opinions of eating meat? What was Vidal trying to say by having the "superior" creature refuse to eat meat? Why?
Essay Topic 2
The role of women in "modern" society is another theme that runs throughout the novel. Reba and Ellen play two drastically different characters in the play, and Vidal seems to be representing two sides of the same coin with their behaviors. Compare and contrast the roles of Ellen and Reba to discover their representation of women in the novel. What are their reactions to things? Why do they react the way they do? What does this say about their representation of women? Do their behaviors change? Why or why not?
Essay Topic 3
In the play, Vidal references the standing political condition between Russia and the United States, often referred to as the Cold War. Choose one of the following to discuss.
1. Why do you think Vidal bases the novel on the Cold War fears of the United States military? What is he trying to say about the suspicious nature of both sides? What threats exist in such a suspicious environment, as is shown by the creation of hostilities by Kreton? What could such conditions result in?
2. Examine one specific comment in the play that refers to the feelings against Russians by the United States. Discuss the comment in terms of historical significance. What does such a comment tell you about the political situation in the time this play was written? What does the inclusion of such comments indicate in terms of Vidal's position on the Cold War? Why?
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This section contains 452 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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