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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 is the state of consumer markets?

2. Why do the characters discuss "Mrs. Consumer" and Hollywood?

3. What color is the hair of Joe and Edna's children?

4. What is one thing Fatt accuses "reds" of doing?

5. Who is Andy Gump?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Odets forewarn the audience of Lefty's death?

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

3. How does the cry to strike become a battle cry?

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

5. What does Sid think will happen if he and Florence marry?

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

7. At what point does Miller change his mind about the new assignment?

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

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

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

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

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

Women, particularly mothers, play very influential roles in the lives of the characters, especially Florence and Joe. How does the behavior of Florence's mother on her deathbed compare and contrast with Edna's motherly behavior toward her children. How do both the mothers' behaviors exemplify the difficult role women played in depression era America? What were your reactions and opinions about the roles of the women upon reading the play?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 910 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample