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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 it mean to "take a run-out powder?"

2. What two unions have failed at past strikes?

3. What does Edna say Joe's boss is giving the kids?

4. What is one reason Joe gives for strikes sometimes failing?

5. Who is Lefty?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the reasons that Fayette selects Miller for the new project?

2. What is Miller's response to the job change?

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

4. Why is Dr. Barnes limited by what he can do to express his outrage at the changes in medicine?

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

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

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

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

9. Why does Fatt say being a "red" is so bad?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In several instances, Fatt makes statements that the workers challenged. He says workers have hot suppers to go home to and the workers disagree. Fatt says Philadelphia is an hour away and the worker says two hours. What is the significance of getting the facts over seemingly minor details, which gives the appearance of quibbling over minor differences? How do minor inaccuracies detract from or add to the realities of the lives of the bosses and workers?

Essay Topic 2

Political correctness did not exist in the 1930s, but there was certain language that did not enter polite society. In using the language of the common man and woman, Odets' play overflows with name-calling and ethnic slurs. What were your initial reactions to this language? How do you imagine individuals to whom the language referred reacted? Were you at any time uncomfortable, embarrassed or shamed by the language? Why or why not? What are your thoughts about keeping the language intact for contemporary productions of the play? Are there situations in which the play that would be best served if there were language substitutions?

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?

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