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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. What reasons does Joe give for not making more money?

2. Which character is accused of taking a "run-out powder?"

3. What is Joe's plan before going to the workers meeting?

4. What two unions have failed at past strikes?

5. What are the professions of the two main characters?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who speaks for the workers?

2. What are some reasons that Odets puts figurative language into Agate's dialogue?

3. Why is the Voice's evidence that Clayton is a spy more credible than Clayton's denials?

4. How does Fatt attempt to dissuade workers from disagreeing with him?

5. How does Joe explain his change in attitude about the need to strike?

6. What colors does Joe use to refute Fatt's accusations? Describe the situation of the workers.

7. How do Agate's and Fatt's picture of "reds" differ?

8. What does Fayette's dialogue in which he uses the words "pollacks and niggers" say about his prejudice?

9. What does Agate's dialogue about the union button imply?

10. Is Fayette's decision to fire Miller for refusing to spy on his supervisor morally right or wrong?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Money, who has it and who does not, is at the heart of this play. What are the immediate, short term, and long-term effects of the decreasing financial situation on the lives of Joe, Edna, and their family?

Essay Topic 2

The threat of violence is constant throughout the play. The most obvious manifestation of that violence is the "Gunman." Discuss the various manifestations of violence and the roles that violence plays in shaping the emotional and economic lives of the workers.

Essay Topic 3

Several characters in the play mention Hollywood or the movies. In what ways do1930s Hollywood influence the characters and their lives? What other media is stressed as important and why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 712 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample