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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 does a main character complain that the talk of Lefty has turned the meeting into?

2. Who are the two Hollywood stars imitated by the buying public?

3. What source is suggested as proof to backup Fatt's claims?

4. What is the last action in Scene 3?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Scene 6 foreshadow what will happen to Benjamin?

2. What, if anything, justifies Fatt's use of a spy to avoid a strike?

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

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

5. What is the point of emphasizing the closeness of Philadelphia to the workers?

6. What language does Clayton use that is reminiscent of Fatt's earlier speech?

7. What does Joe think of Lefty?

8. Is striking the best option for the workers or should they have explored other possible solutions?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The first character introduced in the play is Fatt, who is described a certain way. Discuss the symbolic meaning for this character's name and appearance in relation to the situations in the play. Compare and contrast Fatt with Joe. How do you imagine Joe to look, and why use the name Joe? Whom do these two characters stand for? Who is the protagonist? The antagonist? What evidence supports your claims?

Essay Topic 2

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 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?

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This section contains 816 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample