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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 game does Max's benefactress in act 1, scene 2 like to play?

2. From what classic work is Bialystock's latest flop in act 1, scene 1 adapted?

3. What theater is the backdrop of the end of act 1, scene 9?

4. What does Max vow to do at the end of act 1, scene 1?

5. Before she starts singing in act 1, scene 8, what does Ulla claim as inspiration for her song?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Max cast Franz to play Hitler?

2. Why is Leo absent in act 2, scene 6?

3. What is Franz's mission with his script?

4. What is significant about Ulla's entrance in act 2, scene 3?

5. Why are Max and Leo in shock in act 2, scene 5?

6. Describe Leo's fantasy sequence.

7. How do Max and Leo convince Roger to direct Springtime for Hitler?

8. How is Max responsible for Leo's absence in act 2, scene 6?

9. Why is Leo disgusted by the script Max chooses?

10. Who is Ulla?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Through The Producers, groups of people and stereotypes are used for laughs (for example, the homosexual production crew and Ulla being a "dumb blond"). However, the only group that is openly mocked and thought of derisively is the Nazi party. Explore the differences in humor between one group and the other. How can all these groups people be played for laughs, though only one group is ever done with the intention of mocking? What is the playwright's intent in this? Does it seem to be deliberate? Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

In the character of Ulla, the archetype of the "dumb blond" is brought into the show. However, in many ways, Ulla defies that particular stereotype. Write an essay about how Ulla manages to simultaneously embody the stereotype while being her own character.

Essay Topic 3

One comedy style used heavily in this play is parody. Because of Max and Leo's poor producing of Springtime for Hitler (already a terrible script) and Roger's flamboyant portrayal of Hitler, the audiences believe that the show is meant to be comical parody. Discuss how this misconception happened. Include the former points and take into account the time period the play is meant to be set in. Cite specific examples from the script to support your statements.

(see the answer keys)

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