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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. During the conversation about Lucky and the packages, Pozzo yanks on the rope to get his attention and calls him a

2. Vladimir and Estragon talk about the crucifixion of Jesus and the different views of the four Evangelists who record that event. What is the topic that is described differently between the four Evangelists?

3. When Pozzo asks Estragon what his name is, what name does Estragon give?

4. 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

5. After tormenting Lucky awhile, Pozzo decides to eat. In his belongings he has

Short Essay Questions

1. When Vladimir wakes Estragon up in Act II and he finds Lucky's hat, what does Vladimir suggests they do to pass the time?

2. What happens to the bones after Pozzo has finished eating?

3. What do Estragon and Vladimir talk about as the first act is ending, and what actually happens?

4. Pozzo wants to rouse Lucky and suggests that someone go and kick him to get his attention. Estragon is reluctant to approach him because the last time he did, Lucky kicked him. What does Vladimir tell Estragon?

5. What is different about the tree as the second act opens, and how does this contribute to the mood of the play?

6. Vladimir asks the boy if Mr. Godot has a beard and what color it is. How does the boy respond?

7. Estragon and Vladimir still want to know why Lucky doesn't put done all the parcels. What does Pozzo finally tell them?

8. 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.

9. 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?

10. How does Vladimir claim he would have stopped Estragon from being beaten by the ten men?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Did you find any of the dialogue funny? Did anything that happened or was said make you laugh? If so, how do you feel Beckett used humor to make his point? Include examples of dialogue you found humorous.

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think Beckett created the characters of Pozzo and Lucky the way he did? Do you feel that other characters would have worked better? For instance, Pozzo and Lucky are just as locked in their lives and unable to change as Estragon and Vladimir. Would characters who were happy, contented, and successful made Beckett's message stronger because of the contrast? Why do you feel the way you do?

Essay Topic 3

Many lines of dialogue consist of single words or very brief sentences. How does this approach to dialogue affect the mood of the play, and what does it tell you about the characters, especially Estragon and Vladimir?

(see the answer keys)

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