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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Christy tells the Widow Quin:

2. Christy's demeanor as he tells his story can be described as which of the following?

3. The character who is most unbending about his or her religious beliefs is:

4. What is the mood in Act II?

5. Where is Christy in actuality while the Widow Quin is taking to Old Mahon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examples of characters winning and losing occur in different ways in Synge's play. Consider the motifs of winning and losing, and write an essay:

1) Qualifying any character as either "winner" or "loser" through the events of the play.

OR

2) Exploring the significance of the village games as determinants for winners and losers.

OR

3) Discuss three ways characters might "win" or "lose" over the course of the play.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the significance of storytelling to the events and theme of Synge's play. Write an essay in which you discuss the significance of a) Christy's story about his father; b) Shawn's story about his journey to Pegeen's place in Act 1; or c) Old Mahon's story about his son.

(see the answer keys)

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