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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. As Michael James meets and converses with Christy, he addresses him as:

2. The author's dialogue and description of the night gives what impression?

3. Once she is alone with Christy, Pegeen spends a great deal of time:

4. One of Christy favorite pastimes after working hard all day on the farm is:

5. Which of the following characters does not appear in Act 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a comfort to the Widow Quin at the end of Act 2?

2. What is Shawn afraid of?

3. What do we learn about Christy's character from Old Mahon?

4. Why does Pegeen say she is the fright of seven townlands?

5. What finally saves Christy from being hanged?

6. What change occurs in Christy and Old Mahon's relationship by the end of the act?

7. What function do Michael Flaherty and his friends, Philly and Jimmy perform at the wake of Kate Cassidy?

8. What plan do Christy and the Widow devise when Old Mahon comes to town looking for Christy?

9. Why does Shawn refuse to stay with Pegeen, even after Michael Flaherty tries to force him to stay?

10. Describe the two rivalries that are apparent by Act II.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 3, Philly and Jimmy have an extended discussion about skulls. Write an essay in which you consider a) The symbolic meaning of skulls in Act 3; b) The characterization of Philly and Jimmy through their discussion of skulls; or c) The significance of the exposition revealed in Philly and Jimmy's conversation to the theme of the play.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the motifs of sanity and insanity in Synge's play. Then write an essay in which you explore a) The general sanity of the villagers; b) Synge's statement about sanity and insanity through the events of the play; or c) The insanity of any one character or situation in the play. Be sure to use examples from the text to support your arguement.

Essay Topic 3

Fathers play a prominent role in The Playboy of the Western World. In an essay:

1) Describe Pegeen's father as either successful or unsuccessful in raising and caring for his daughter.

OR

2) Describe Old Mahon as either successful or unsuccessful in raising and caring for his son.

OR

3) Identify the role Synge has created for fathers in his play.

Use examples from the text to support your essay.

(see the answer keys)

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