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

2. Pegeen's discussion with Christy after her father leaves is interrupted by:

3. The issue of Christy going home with the Widow Quin is resolved when:

4. When the characters use the term "himself" they are referring to:

5. Considering the Irish dialect used by the author, the term "da" means:

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Pegeen's job?

2. Why does the Widow Quin feel she would be a better fit for Christy than Pegeen?

3. Why does the Widow Quin try to convince the others that Old Mahon is crazy?

4. What does Philly begin to realize before he leaves to follow Old Mahon?

5. What is Michael's reaction to Pegeen's change of heart?

6. Why is Christy so upset to see his father in the village?

7. What items does Pegeen say she requires in the letter she writes?

8. Why won't Christy run to avoid the crowd that wants to hang him?

9. What do Michael and Shaun report has finally arrived?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Consider the differences between appearance and reality in the play. Write an essay in which you discuss:

1) The difference between Christy's appearance and his reality.

OR

2) The difference between any characters' statements and their behaviors.

OR

3) The significance of appearance and reality to the events of the play.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the title, "The Playboy of the Western World." Write an essay in which you:

1) Identify the titular character and use examples to describe how the title applies to this character.

OR

2) Explain the meaning of the title and describe its significance to the theme of the play.

OR

3) Evaluate the effectiveness of the title and offer an alternate title that better fits the events of the play.

Use examples from the text to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 649 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample