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

Short Answer Questions

1. How much money does Tommy have to pay the fee for which the preacher asks?

2. When the union presidents meet with Joshua in Play Eight, what does Calvin say he is complaining about for months at the Blue Star mine?

3. In Play Eight, what do the local union presidents want to discuss with Joshua about the contract with the mining company?

4. What does Tommy want from the preacher in Play Seven, Fire in the Hole?

5. What is Mary Anne's relationship with Tommy in Play Seven?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Kentucky Cycle contains a number of instances of irony. Cite three examples of irony in the plays and discuss what you think the author intends to convey with each example.

Essay Topic 2

What character flaws and strengths do you see in the Rowen family through the generations depicted in The Kentucky Cycle? Select at least three characters from the nine plays and discuss how these flaws and strengths help or hinder the characters in dealing with the conflicts in their relationships and in their historical eras. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Several murders occur in The Kentucky Cycle. Discuss Michael Rowen's murder of Sam, Patrick Rowen's murders of Michael Rowen and Joe Talbert, and Jed Rowen's murder of Richard Talbert. What motivates each of these killings and what theme(s) or lesson(s) do you think the author is trying to convey through these incidents? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

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This section contains 324 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample