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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Sid mean by "backwash" if he and Florence married?

2. From what location does the Voice challenge Clayton?

3. What is Clayton's reaction to the workers' rejection of him?

4. Who is the first person to speak in Scene 5?

5. Who initiates the meeting between Dr. Barnes and Benjamin?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the language of Agate and Fatt similar or different when they attempt to persuade workers? Which approach is most effective? Less successful? Why?

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 288 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample