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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 does Edna threaten to do if Joe does not change his behavior?

2. What is Joe paying his dues to?

3. What is one thing Fatt accuses "reds" of doing?

4. In Scene 2, what does Joe find when he arrives home from work at the end of the day?

5. Who is referred to as having "more guts than a slaughter house?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Benjamin coming to see Dr. Barnes?

2. What does Fayette's dialogue in which he uses the words "pollacks and niggers" say about his prejudice?

3. What, if anything, justifies Fatt's use of a spy to avoid a strike?

4. How does Joe feel about his responsibilities as the man of the family?

5. What are several factors that have contributed to Benjamin's removal from surgery?

6. What does Joe think of Lefty?

7. What is the significance of the discussion about Fayette's office?

8. What are some of the reasons that Fayette selects Miller for the new project?

9. Why doesn't Edna want Joe to yell?

10. How do you think Irv feels as a result of his behavior toward Florence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Color or the suggestion of color is used metaphorically throughout Scene 1. Name the colors and metaphors, and discuss the advantages of using color to discuss the situation occurring in the Scene. Are there particular emotions, beliefs, or rituals associated with the colors beyond the meanings implied by the metaphors?

Essay Topic 2

Women, particularly mothers, play very influential roles in the lives of the characters, especially Florence and Joe. How does the behavior of Florence's mother on her deathbed compare and contrast with Edna's motherly behavior toward her children. How do both the mothers' behaviors exemplify the difficult role women played in depression era America? What were your reactions and opinions about the roles of the women upon reading the play?

Essay Topic 3

The threat of violence is constant throughout the play. The most obvious manifestation of that violence is the "Gunman." Discuss the various manifestations of violence and the roles that violence plays in shaping the emotional and economic lives of the workers.

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