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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 last thing that Barbara says to Bill before going to sleep in Act 1, Scene 3?

2. What time does Sheriff Gilbeau tell Violet it is when she asks in Act 1, Scene 4?

3. How old is Ivy?

4. What is the name of Barbara and Bill's daughter?

5. When is Karen's wedding set for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What literary allusions does Beverly Weston make in the play's Prologue?

2. What information is revealed to the reader/audience in Act 1, Scene 3?

3. Where does the second climax occur in Act 1, Scene 4?

4. What is the significance of the discussion of Johnna's name in the Prologue?

5. What theme is predominant in Act 1, Scene 4? How is this theme developed in the scene?

6. What is significant about the revelations regarding Sheriff Gilbeau in Act 1, Scene 4?

7. What is the first climax that occurs in Act 1, Scene 4?

8. What foreshadowing can be seen in Act 1, Scene 1?

9. How is the theme of interpersonal responsibilities illustrated in the beginning of Act 2?

10. What is significant about Violet's comments about aging women in Act 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the plot structure of August: Osage County. Where in the narrative does the exposition transition to rising action? Where does the climax occur? What information is revealed in the falling action and denouement of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and analyze the character of Johnna in the novel. What brings Johnna to the Weston home? How do the inhabitants of the home treat Johnna? How does Johnna's character evolve in the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of breaking free in August: Osage County. What characters in the play attempt to break free from their families and/or pasts? Are they successful? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 837 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample