Literary Characteristics Themes Quiz

1. The Theatre of the Absurd emerged mainly after:

World War I

World War II

The Great Depression

The Renaissance

Absurd Drama developed in post–World War II Europe, reflecting feelings of confusion and hopelessness.

Explanation

Absurd Drama developed in post–World War II Europe, reflecting feelings of confusion and hopelessness.

2. The central theme of Absurd Drama is:

Triumph of reason and order

The meaningless or irrational nature of life

Celebration of heroism

The power of science

Absurd plays explore life’s lack of logical meaning or clear purpose, mirroring existentialist ideas.

Explanation

Absurd plays explore life’s lack of logical meaning or clear purpose, mirroring existentialist ideas.

3. Absurd Drama often follows a clear plot structure with a traditional climax.

True

False

These plays usually abandon traditional structure; events often appear random or repetitive.

Explanation

These plays usually abandon traditional structure; events often appear random or repetitive.

4. Match the term to its description:

Existentialism

Minimalism

Absurdity

Existentialism and absurdity underpin the philosophy of this genre; minimalism shapes its stage form.

Explanation

Existentialism and absurdity underpin the philosophy of this genre; minimalism shapes its stage form.

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5. Which of the following best describes dialogue in Absurd Drama?

Logical and argumentative

Simple but repetitive or nonsensical

Poetic and rhymed

Completely silent

Dialogue reflects confusion and miscommunication rather than clear ideas.

Explanation

Dialogue reflects confusion and miscommunication rather than clear ideas.

6. Which feature distinguishes Absurd Drama from traditional plays?

Heroic characters

Logical dialogue

Circular structure

Dramatic conflict

Absurd plays often end where they began, emphasizing meaninglessness.

Explanation

Absurd plays often end where they began, emphasizing meaninglessness.

7. Silence can be a meaningful part of Absurd Drama.

True

False

Silence often communicates more than words, reflecting emptiness or the limits of speech.

Explanation

Silence often communicates more than words, reflecting emptiness or the limits of speech.

8. Read this excerpt: “Nothing to be done.” What does the phrase represent?

Acceptance of fate

A refusal to act

Comic relief

Anger

It symbolizes resignation and the futility of human effort.

Explanation

It symbolizes resignation and the futility of human effort.

9. Absurd Drama rejects realism and natural dialogue.

True

False

The movement avoids realistic portrayal in favor of surreal, symbolic expression.

Explanation

The movement avoids realistic portrayal in favor of surreal, symbolic expression.

10. Read this excerpt: “He waited. Nothing happened.” What is being emphasized?

Action

Stasis and futility

Joy and excitement

A happy ending

The lack of progress shows the hopeless repetition common in absurdist plots.

Explanation

The lack of progress shows the hopeless repetition common in absurdist plots.

11. Which of the following is not a feature of Absurd Drama?

Logical cause and effect

Repetition

Circular dialogue

Symbolism

Absurd plays defy cause-and-effect logic, favoring randomness.

Explanation

Absurd plays defy cause-and-effect logic, favoring randomness.

12. Absurd Drama often uses ________ to highlight confusion and pointlessness.

Repetition mirrors life’s cyclical, purposeless routines and the breakdown of communication.

Explanation

Repetition mirrors life’s cyclical, purposeless routines and the breakdown of communication.

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13. Which two emotions Absurd Drama typically evokes?

Hopelessness

Confusion

Joy

Gratitude

The plays highlight the futility of existence, leaving audiences uncertain or uneasy.

Explanation

The plays highlight the futility of existence, leaving audiences uncertain or uneasy.

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14. In Absurd Drama, language is often used to show ________ rather than clarity.

Dialogue often fails to communicate effectively, symbolizing isolation.

Explanation

Dialogue often fails to communicate effectively, symbolizing isolation.

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15. Absurd Drama uses humor to:

Relieve tension

Emphasize tragedy

Distract from meaninglessness

Make the play cheerful

Its dark humor highlights absurdity rather than joy.

Explanation

Its dark humor highlights absurdity rather than joy.

Submit

Characteristics and Themes

1. The Theatre of the Absurd emerged mainly after:

2.

What first name or nickname would you like us to use?

2. The central theme of Absurd Drama is:

3. Absurd Drama often follows a clear plot structure with a traditional climax.

4. Match the term to its description:

5. Which of the following best describes dialogue in Absurd Drama?

6. Which feature distinguishes Absurd Drama from traditional plays?

7. Silence can be a meaningful part of Absurd Drama.

8. Read this excerpt: “Nothing to be done.” What does the phrase represent?

9. Absurd Drama rejects realism and natural dialogue.

10. Read this excerpt: “He waited. Nothing happened.” What is being emphasized?

11. Which of the following is not a feature of Absurd Drama?

12. Absurd Drama often uses ________ to highlight confusion and pointlessness.

13. Which two emotions Absurd Drama typically evokes?

14. In Absurd Drama, language is often used to show ________ rather than clarity.

15. Absurd Drama uses humor to: