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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 sonnet is Vivian's paper about that must be done over?

2. Who published Vivian's dissertation?

3. What does Vivian do after meeting with Ashford?

4. How many nightgowns does Vivian say she wears all day?

5. What word does Vivian struggle with as she reads on her birthday?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the cycle of Vivian's chemotherapy treatments as it relates to her overall feeling.

2. What is the irony of Vivian's hospitalization during her chemotherapy?

3. What is the standard greeting where Vivian is? What is her standard response?

4. How does Vivian's father teach her the word “soporific?”

5. Why does Jason suddenly stop as he is talking about Vivian during the examination?

6. Why does Jason not want to lower Vivian's dose of chemotherapy?

7. What does Vivian say the audience will see in “this dramatic structure?” What does Vivian want to document?

8. How does Ashford describe Vivian's essay?

9. Why does Vivian appreciate Kelekian's thoroughness as he explains the situation to her?

10. Describe Vivian as she appears at the opening of the play.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Vivian and Jason. How are they alike? How are they different? How does Edson use these similarities and differences to deepen the story?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Susie and Jason. How are they alike? How are they different? Explain each of their relationships with Vivian.

Essay Topic 3

Define characterization. Give at least one example of each type of characterization used in Wit to describe Vivian. Write a brief character biography of Vivian.

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