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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. By his own estimation, what makes Tzara an artist?

2. Which of the following locations is not mentioned by Carr as he describes the horrors of the First World War?

3. What is the topic of Lenin's new book?

4. What does Joyce announce that he intends to do before leaving the room in this section?

5. Where was Carr when he heard about the offset of the First World War?

Short Essay Questions

1. What parts of Henry Carr's story can be definitively believed by the audience?

2. How does Carr respond to Tzara's Dadaist sentiments?

3. What apologia does Henry Carr make regarding his memory?

4. What confusion exist between Tzara and Carr regarding the reasoning behind the war?

5. Why do the Allies want to keep Lenin in Switzerland?

6. In what terms does Carr describe Switzerland in this section?

7. What lie does Carr argue is the artist's great achievement?

8. Describe some examples of the aristocratic aloofness Carr displays int his section.

9. What events have transpired in Russia since the abdication of the czar?

10. Why is Carr livid over Joyce's request for 25 francs in ticket sales?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the Revolution in St. Petersburg heats up and the Zimmerwaldists of Switzerland begin to plan their return to Russia, the characters of the play begin to debate how the scenarios delineated by Marx can be realized in the world. Write an essay charting these debates, focusing on Bennett's explanation of Marxism and Cecily's debate with Carr regarding its legitimacy. How does the Russian Revolution conform to the path dictated by Marx? What short cuts are being taken? What is Lenin's importance in the process, according to the theory?

Essay Topic 2

Truth and confusion is a central theme of Travesties. The play itself is a story told by an elderly and senile man, and it examines the unlikeliness of ever knowing for certain with the truth of a story is. Write an essay about memory and confusion, focusing on three aspects of the play:

Part 1) This play opens and closes with monologues by Henry Carr, and throughout he interrupts the action to explain it and himself. What apologies and explanations does he make regarding his memory? At what points does he become defiant regarding the truth of his story?

Part 2) Throughout the play, Stoppard has what are called time slips, moments when the action repeats itself and changes slightly. What do these time slips reflect? When do they occur, and how do they change the meaning of much of the action?

Part 3) What, in the end, can the audience believe about Henry Carr's story? What assertions turn out to be completely false? What is Stoppard saying about the human inclination to self-mythologize?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the play cordial, Wilde-esque conversations give way to bouts of unrestrained antipathy between characters. Write an essay about the breaking of the formal shell in the play, focusing on three such outbursts:

Part 1) What is the breaking point for Henry Carr when discussing art with Tristan Tzara in their first conversation of the play? How is Dada so offensive to him? What does Tzara say about the war that infuriates him?

Part 2) Why does Tzara think that Joyce is patronizing him when they discuss Dada in Act 1? How do they differ in their view of classical archetypes in art and literature?

Part 3) Examine the library scene between Cecily and Carr at the beginning of Act 2. What is Cecily's breaking point in discussing Marxism? What patronizing statement does Carr make that sets her off?

(see the answer keys)

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