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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 is Henry's advice when Bailey says he cannot swim?

2. Why does Henry urge Bailey to remain uneducated?

3. Henry tells John that college was a waste of time except for what?

4. What happens to the man, in Waldo's story, who goes to India to earn a fortune, so he can retire a poet?

5. What is the only reason for why Henry leaves his home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Waldo's reaction to Henry's arrest?

2. What does Henry think of Ralph Waldo Emerson?

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

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

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

6. Waldo asks how he should rebel. What is Henry's response? Why?

7. What does Waldo mean when he accuses Henry of resigning from the human race?

8. What does Henry learn about his obsession with Waldo?

9. How does Sam show that he is acting against his wishes when serving Henry with his tax bill?

10. How does the act close?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The events of the first act develop Henry as an individualist who believes deeply in personal freedom.

Part 1) How is Henry an individualist?

Part 2) What is Transcendentalism?

Part 3) How does Transcendentalism influence Henry's belief in personal freedom?

Essay Topic 2

The war in Vietnam was fought in large part by young black men who were unable to buy their way out of or otherwise evade the draft. These black soldiers were, in essence, enslaved by the army to fight, and while many white draftees were able to escape from military service.

Part 1) How do the playwrights, whether intentionally or unintentionally, parallel this knowledge in the play?

Part 2) Compare the Vietnam War to the wars mentioned in the play.

Part 3) How might Henry have reacted to this knowledge about the Vietnam War? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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