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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Who does Kreton trust with his secret of taking over the world?
2. Why is Kreton surprised sex is such a taboo topic?
3. What does Roger claim the Russians are responsible for?
4. For whom does Kreton note the fighting is for, at the end of his attempt to rouse Conrad?
5. How does Kreton show his mental powers to Ellen?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
In the play, martial law is declares as part of security measures. Discuss the following in terms of martial law in the play:
Part 1. Who declares Martial law in the play? Why? What is the purpose of martial law in the play?
Part 2. What are the consequences of such a declaration on the inhabitants of the Spelding household? On Conrad? On Kreton? On viewers of Roger's broadcast?
Part 3. Do you think martial law is fair to innocent individuals such as the Speldings? If so, what are your justifications? If not, what would your alternate solution be to keep from having international panic?
Essay Topic 2
What do you think Vidal was trying to say about the political situation of the world in the 1950s? Why? What are possible reasons for this? What was he trying to say about the U.S. government? About the Russian government? Be sure to be very specific in your answer, and include information from the book to back your argument.
Essay Topic 3
One of the themes that runs through the play is the infatuation of the characters with sex. Ellen, Conrad, Reba, and the aide all think at various times in the novel of sex and sexual relations. Vidal seems to use the play to explore the attitudes of Americans in the time period toward sex.
Choose one of the following options and address/discuss the questions:
1. Give several examples of what the characters in the play think of sex. Is it portrayed as a method of procreation, or an enjoyable pastime? What are the symbolic links presented? Why are these important?
2. Ellen notes that sex is a taboo subject, although is it always on the mind. Kreton notes the oddity of sex as taboo while violence is widespread. What do you think of that argument? Is Kreton right? Why do we treat these subjects as we do? What makes sex so taboo?
3. The concept of sex has drastically changed since the writing of the play. Compare and contrast the concept of sex as it was in the 1950s to current notions. What are similarities? What are differences? What caused the shift in perspective?
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This section contains 505 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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