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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Act I, when Vladimer and Estragon first encounter Pozzo and Lucky, Vladimir moves towards Lucky, but Pozzo says Lucky is
(a) Not very nice.
(b) Very dirty and bad smelling.
(c) Dangerous, especially toward strangers.
(d) Happy to make new friends.

2. During a conversation in Act I, Estragon says he is hungry. Vladimir offers him
(a) A potato.
(b) Chocolate and cookies.
(c) A drink.
(d) Turnips and carrots.

3. When Lucky hears Pozzo talking to Estragon and Vladimir about the fair, he starts to
(a) Laugh.
(b) Go to sleep.
(c) Run away.
(d) Cry.

4. What is the last thing Lucky does at end of Act I?
(a) He picks up his packages and waits silently.
(b) He gives a long speech full of gibberish.
(c) He laughes at Estragon.
(d) He falls asleep and takes a nap.

5. During the conversation about Lucky and the packages, Pozzo yanks on the rope to get his attention and calls him a
(a) Pig and a hog.
(b) Fool.
(c) Lazy bum.
(d) Good friend.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Estragon and Vladimir first see Pozzo and Lucky, they

2. At times throughout the play, both Estragon and Vladimir talk about leaving the place where they are waiting, but they do not. Why not?

3. During the conversation in Act I, after telling Estragon and Vladimir how terrible Lucky is, Pozzo

4. In Act I, when Estragon and Vladimir are telling Pozzo about the fact they are waiting for Godot, Pozzo tells them he would be

5. In Act I, the relationship between Pozzo and Lucky is demonstrated by the fact that each time Pozzo asks Lucky to bring him something, Lucky

Short Essay Questions

1. Vladimir is closely associated with a particular prop. What is that prop? Why do you think Beckett chose that prop and what does it contribute to the play?

2. When Pozzo and Lucky come across Estragon and Vladimir on the second day, what has changed, and what has stayed the same?

3. The set is very bare with the exception of one significant thing. What is it, and why do you think Beckett used this particular thing?

4. What is the subject of Vladimir's song, and why do you think Beckett used this particular song?

5. Pozzo and Lucky perform a repetitive behavior that serves to demonstrate the kind of relationship they have. It drives home the point that they are incapable of changing the course of their lives. Lucky's suffering is apparent. Briefly explain what Lucky's part is in the "dance" between them. Pozzo's "servitude" is not as apparent, but it does exist. Explain how Pozzo is just as helpless and frustrated in his relationship with Lucky.

6. After Estragon and Vladimir help Pozzo get up in Act II, Pozzo asks them if they are his friends. How do Estragon and Vladimir respond?

7. Estragon and Vladimir talk about the tree again in Act II and the possibility of hanging themselves. They realize they need rope. What do they consider as a possible solution, and what is the problem with that?

8. Estragon and Vladimir keep discussing whether they should help Pozzo while Pozzo keeps repeating his pleas for help. Do Estragon and Vladimir finally agree to respond to Pozzo's requests for help? Why or why not?

9. Estragon is closely associated with a particular prop. What is that prop? Why do you think Beckett chose that prop and what does it contribute to the play?

10. Estragon and Vladimir have a second conversation about radishes and carrots. How does the conversation differ from the one in Act I and why might Beckett includes this second conversation?

(see the answer keys)

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