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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. Act I starts with a meandering conversation between the two main characters who talk about a variety of subjects. They do NOT talk about

2. According to the play's notes, the action begins

3. During one of the conservations about the Bible, Vladimir tells Estragon he should have been a

4. The first time Pozzo and Lucky meet Estragon and Vladimir in Act I, Pozzo tells Estragon and Vladimir that Lucky

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Estragon tries to help Lucky when is is crying?

2. What does Pozzo tell Estragon and Vladimir about tears and laughter?

3. Why do you think Beckett uses the moon to illuminate the stage? Remember that moonlight is different than sunlight and that the moon becomes part of the play in the same way that the tree does.

4. Estragon and Vladimir can't seem to figure out who Pozzo and Lucky really are in Act II. In their confusion, they call them two names that are related. What are those names, and how do these names give some additional depth to the relationship between Pozzo and Lucky?

5. In Act II, what does Estragon remember about Lucky and Pozzo from the day before and why?

6. In the first act, what does the boy tell Estragon and Vladimir about Mr. Godot?

7. Briefly describe the relationship between Lucky and Pozzo.

8. What does Estragon decide to do with his boots and why does Vladimir tell him he can't do that?

9. Vladimir asks Estragon if he has ever read the Bible. What does Estragon tell him?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Beckett uses the character of the boy to bring word from Godot? Does this "prove" Godot exists? Is the boy real or part of a delusion shared by Estragon and Vladimir? After all, Estragon, especially, questions the accuracy of his memory.

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

Imagine that Godot finally makes his appearance one day. How might he feel about the fact that Estragon and Vladimir had spent so much time waiting for him? What, if anything, might Godot would do for Estragon and Vladimir? If he were to encounter Pozzo and Lucky, would Godot do anything for them even though they had not been waiting for him?

(see the answer keys)

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