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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. When Mama argues against taking in Sophie, she tells Christian that she already feeds how many young women "while half the country starves" (13)?

2. Christian tells Mama in Scene 4 of Act One that Yaka-Yaka has changed drastically. What is Yaka-Yaka?

3. What does Mama plan to do with the parrot, according to her comment to Christian in Scene 1 of Act One?

4. How does Christian finally explain his relationship to Sophie?

5. When Sophie meets Mama's eyes and reveals her age, what is it?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Commander Osembenga.

2. What major revelation does Salima share with Sophie in Scene 3 of Act One?

3. What two pieces of information about Sophie appear to convince Mama to take her in?

4. Provide evidence of the bond between Sophie and Salima that has grown since their arrival at Mama's.

5. What is the significance of Mama's query to Christian about whether he had "at least" [told] them this time"?

6. In what way does the theme of deception enter the narrative in Scene 1 of Act One?

7. Discuss Nottage's goal for writing and producing Ruined, according to the text's introduction.

8. What special talent does Sophie have?

9. What event causes Sophie to lose her smile in Scene 1 of Act One?

10. What does Christian tell Mama about Sophie's injuries?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of Ruined and analyze Nottage’s purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 2

Examine the symbolism of the use of props in the play, including the birdcage, the parrot, the motor scooter, and others.

Essay Topic 3

What messages does Nottage send about hope and what themes are employed in order to send these messages to the reader?

(see the answer keys)

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