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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who arrives drunk at the Union Hall at the end of Play Eight?

2. Why does Andrew say it's too late to give Tommy what he wants?

3. What is Abe's real reason for coming to Howsen County?

4. Who unexpectedly witnesses the events at the Treaty Oak at the end of Play Seven?

5. What does Cassius Biggs do to make money in Play Seven?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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