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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. According to Weller in Act 2, Scene 1, what happens when you get too far away from playing gin?

2. How did Weller find himself in this Home?

3. What did Fonsia's son do to create a fissure in their relationship?

4. Who was Ty Cobb?

5. Why does Fonsia think Weller wants to meet her on the porch in Act 2, Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the source of Fonsia's friction with her son?

2. How is Mrs. Mayes used by Weller to get Fonsia on the porch in Act 2, Scene 2?

3. What point is Weller trying to drive home to Fonsia in his relation of the Ty Cobb story in Act 2, Scene 1?

4. Although Weller disagrees at first, why does Fonsia think he wants her on the porch in Act 2, Scene 2?

5. What is the significance of the choir striking up in the last moments of the closing scene of the play? What kind of tune might they be singing?

6. Do you think Fonsia 'fed' Weller the Jack of Hearts in Act 2, Scene 1? Explain why.

7. Weller criticizes Fonsia for being vindictive. How does she exemplify this behavior?

8. Explain the exchange of the sweater in Act 2, Scene 2. What could the exchange of the sweater represent?

9. In Act 2, Scene 1 Weller says "You can't keep anything around here." What connection does this have with Act 1, Scene 2?

10. Given his behavior throughout the play, has Weller gone mad in Act 2, Scene 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is Weller so driven to play cards? Why is winning against Fonsia so important for him?

Essay Topic 2

Is Fonsia vindictive? Is Weller a failure? Please support your responses with examples from the play.

Essay Topic 3

How is the game of gin in this play used as a metaphor for life?

(see the answer keys)

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