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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 was King Edward the First's other name?

2. What does Dysart compare himself to?

3. What does Dysart try to do when he first meets Alan?

4. What does Alan hold onto in order to stay on the horse?

5. What color is Dysart's fireplace?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Frank think about TV?

2. What happened on the day that Alan had his first encounter with a horse?

3. Describe the dream the Dysart has at the beginning of Scene 5.

4. What does Jill want to do for their date that night?

5. Why does Alan have troubles performing with Jill?

6. What does Dora offer as an explanation for Alan's behavior?

7. What does Dysart want to do for Alan?

8. Who does Dysart blame for some of his current self doubts?

9. What is the next trick Dysart wants to use with Alan?

10. What does Hesther make of the dream that Dysart shares with her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The relationship between Dysart and Alan is a complicated one, to be sure. At times, they each seem to be helping each other, instead of one person helping more than another.

Part 1: What are some of the ways in which Dysart helps Alan?

Part 2: What are some of the ways in which Alan helps Dysart?

Part 3: Do you think Dysart is more concerned about himself or about Alan in their sessions?

Essay Topic 2

The first time Alan encounters a horse is a memorable event for him. The Horseman helps Alan discover his love and longing for the animals.

Part 1: Why is this moment so important for Alan? What causes this moment to follow Alan the rest of his life?

Part 2: Why does Frank become so angry about this meeting with the Horseman? What does he do in response?

Part 3: What do you think of the Horseman? What does he seem to represent in Alan's life?

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between Dysart and Hesther helps to guide the play and to show the reader how the story progressed for Alan.

Part 1: Why do you think Hesther is introduced in this play? What is her role in the story?

Part 2: What do you think Hesther is meant to symbolize in this play? What is her part in the relationship between Alan and Dysart?

Part 3: Is the character of Hesther necessary? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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