View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Fayette believe is the advantage of keeping certain employees drunk?

2. Who is the smoker and drinker in Scene 3?

3. What does Edna fear will happen to the kids' bodies if they don't eat better?

4. What reasons does Joe give for not making more money?

5. Why does Joe think the workers need to strike?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who speaks for the workers?

2. How does Odets forewarn the audience of Lefty's death?

3. What does Agate's dialogue about the union button imply?

4. How are Scenes 1 and 2 related?

5. What are some of Joe's explanations for not making enough money to support his family?

6. Is Florence right to put the family ahead of what she wants? Why or why not?

7. What contributes to Dr. Barnes' deep anger about rich men taking away his power to influence medical care? How does he express it?

8. What are the first indications that Joe and Edna are having financial problems?

9. Why does Fatt say being a "red" is so bad?

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

In several instances, Fatt makes statements that the workers challenged. He says workers have hot suppers to go home to and the workers disagree. Fatt says Philadelphia is an hour away and the worker says two hours. What is the significance of getting the facts over seemingly minor details, which gives the appearance of quibbling over minor differences? How do minor inaccuracies detract from or add to the realities of the lives of the bosses and workers?

Essay Topic 2

The contributions of extended family members are critical to the survival of Florence and Sid's families. How would Florence's family change had she ignored Irv's insistence that she not get married? What are your thoughts about Florence's rights to her own life?

Essay Topic 3

The first character introduced in the play is Fatt, who is described a certain way. Discuss the symbolic meaning for this character's name and appearance in relation to the situations in the play. Compare and contrast Fatt with Joe. How do you imagine Joe to look, and why use the name Joe? Whom do these two characters stand for? Who is the protagonist? The antagonist? What evidence supports your claims?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 876 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample