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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does the Department of Authentication refuse to authenticate the new log book?
(a) They purchased the wrong type of log book.
(b) The expense wasn't officially authorized.
(c) The book is too expensive.
(d) They inform them that there will no longer be a need for a log book.

2. The parallels Havel draws in Act 1, Scene 4 are between Ballas and what?
(a) Incompetence.
(b) Hypocrisy.
(c) Irrational thinking.
(d) Bureaucracy.

3. Who does Ballas point out is in control of Ptydepe?
(a) The higher-ups.
(b) Maria.
(c) Helena.
(d) Savant.

4. What does the clerk's character symbolize?
(a) The concerns of the common worker.
(b) The result of a meaningless system.
(c) The dangers of blind loyalty in a bureaucratic system.
(d) The notion of how lazy workers can advance in a company through deceit.

5. At the beginning of the play, what kind of letter does Gross receive?
(a) A bill.
(b) A late notice.
(c) A memorandum.
(d) A shipping invoice.

6. What is Gross trying to get accomplished in Act 1, Scene 3?
(a) He is trying to get the new log book authenticated.
(b) He is trying to get back to his office.
(c) He is trying to get the books balanced.
(d) He is trying to get the memorandum translated.

7. As explained in the play, what is Ptydepe designed to reduce?
(a) Clerical errors.
(b) Individuality.
(c) A language barrier between employees.
(d) Subordination.

8. Who gets quizzed along with Gross on their knowledge of Ptydepe?
(a) Hana.
(b) Thumb.
(c) Maria.
(d) Ballas.

9. What does Gross' lack of Ptydepe knowledge signal, according to Lear?
(a) That he should not be working for the company.
(b) That he deserved to be removed from his position.
(c) That he is not genuinely interested in learning Ptydepe.
(d) That he is smarter than the rest of the class.

10. Hypothetically, the use of Ptydepe could remove what from the office?
(a) A number of positions.
(b) Waste of paper for multiple memos.
(c) The need to speak.
(d) Misunderstanding in inter-office communications.

11. What is still in its infancy and talked about as if it were a baby?
(a) The snack bar.
(b) The Accounts Department.
(c) The Department of Authenticity.
(d) Ptydepe operations.

12. Who is Stroll?
(a) Gross' boss.
(b) The CEO of the company.
(c) The new Accounting manager.
(d) The head of the Center.

13. What does Hana repeatedly ask Gross in Act 1, Scene 4?
(a) If he knows where the new snack bar is located.
(b) If she can go to lunch.
(c) If she can get some more milk.
(d) If she can have the authorization for Ptydepe lessons.

14. What does the item that Gross is carrying in Act 1, Scene 5 symbolize?
(a) His intolerance for Ptydepe.
(b) His desire to hold onto whatever power he has left.
(c) His lack of enthusiasm for his new position.
(d) His addiction to coffee.

15. What is very interesting about the intentional way Havel presents the office?
(a) The positions of the characters are never stated.
(b) The purpose of the office is never stated.
(c) The characters come and go without asking permission.
(d) It only has one room.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is further illustrated in Scene 2?

2. As a reflection of bureaucracy, what kind of explanation do the higher-ups provide for the creation of Ptydepe?

3. One main point in Act 1, Scene 4 is to display that Ballas and the higher-ups are after power for what purpose?

4. What kind of a party is going on in Act 1, Scene 6?

5. Who does Helena introduce herself as?

(see the answer keys)

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