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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. Who is the first character to speak in the play?

2. Who initially insists that the action of many can accomplish what one cannot?

3. What is the last action in Scene 3?

4. In Scene 2, what does Joe find when he arrives home from work at the end of the day?

5. What does Edna think about strikes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think Sid and Florence feel by the end of Scene 4?

2. Why is Benjamin coming to see Dr. Barnes?

3. What are some reasons Joe doesn't want to strike?

4. How do you think Irv feels as a result of his behavior toward Florence?

5. What are several factors that have contributed to Benjamin's removal from surgery?

6. Why does Edna threaten infidelity as a way to convince Joe to support a strike?

7. Is Miller's use of violence against Fayette an acceptable response to being fired?

8. How does Agate's approach to the workers compare with that of Clayton the spy's approach in Scene 5?

9. What are two main themes contained in Scene 4 and how are they manifested?

10. Is Fatt respected by the workers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The contributions of extended family members are critical to the survival of Florence and Sid's families. How would Florence's family change had she ignored Irv's insistence that she not get married? What are your thoughts about Florence's rights to her own life?

Essay Topic 2

In spite of the anger, violence, deception, and other stressors, Odets manages to write love into the play. Think about the relationships depicted in the play. Who are the characters in the love relationships and what kind are they? What responsibilities to each other do they have? How are the relationships influenced by others? Which relationship is the most romantic and how is that romance shown? What are your thoughts about the couple's decision to delay sex until marriage?

Essay Topic 3

A popular song asks what war is good for. War seems to be on everyone's mind and has touched many of the characters. The characters also seem to have a range of opinions about war. What seems to be the predominant attitude of characters in the play and why? Whose attitudes seem most in alignment with each other and whose attitudes differ the most? What are the primary benefits of war to the characters and why? What about the detriments?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 894 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample