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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 does Henry tell Bailey he drinks?

2. Why does Henry note that it is good that men do not know how to fly?

3. Who is the old man who enters with his wife?

4. Why is Bailey in jail?

5. How does Waldo respond when Ball asks him about listening to another clergyman?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens after Henry gives Waldo the advice to speak out against the war?

2. What argument takes place between Lydian and Henry, regarding his behavior?

3. How does Henry feel about this decision?

4. What do Henry and Bailey see out the cell window?

5. How does Henry react to how Bailey handles his time in jail?

6. What is Deacon Ball's reaction to Henry's class discussion?

7. Waldo marvels at Henry, and expresses his own admiration for Henry's beliefs. He refers to Henry as a "walking ethic," living proof of Transcendentalism. Why does he feel this way about Henry?

8. What does Henry think of Ralph Waldo Emerson?

9. How is Waldo's dream created on the stage?

10. What is the story Henry tells about the character Williams?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most important elements of Henry's character is his irreverent sense of humor.

Part 1) Give an example from the play showing his sense of humor.

Part 2) How does Henry use his sense of humor to reveal his beliefs?

Part 3) As the first act progresses, Henry's use of humor becomes less about wit and more about bitter social or political commentary. Give an example from the play to support this statement.

Essay Topic 2

All of the other characters in the play end up being contrasted with Henry, and each of them fail to measure up in some way.

Part 1) Name two characters that are contrasted with Henry.

Part 2) How do these two characters fail to measure up?

Part 3) Must the characters measure up to Henry, or is it okay for them to have differing beliefs and opinion from Henry?

Essay Topic 3

In Act II, Lee and Lawrence further develop the idea of what war Henry is fighting against.

Part 1) What war is he initially fighting?

Part 2) What war is added? How is this war foreshadowed in Act I?

Part 3) What is the connection between the two wars?

(see the answer keys)

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