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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. How is Miller treated at the beginning of the meeting?

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

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes Scene 4 romantic?

2. How does Fatt try to convince the workers not to take action?

3. How has Sid's economic situation affected his self-esteem?

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

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

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

7. What are the first indications that Joe and Edna are having financial problems?

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

9. What is the mood of the workers?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Odets' play has been called dated because of the language. The slang and figurative language almost demand a close reading of the play with a good dictionary at hand. How does the language aid communication and relationships in the 1930s? What does it communicate about the speakers and listeners? What if anything could have influenced the language of the working class? What if any contemporary communications are comparable to Odets' language?

Essay Topic 2

Odets uses two techniques to shift the reader back and forward in time in order to tell his story. What two techniques does he use and where in the story does he use them? What are the benefits of using these techniques? The downside? If you were re-writing the play, how would you rearrange the scenes?

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 811 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample