Modern Drama: Explore Key Plays and Their Impact on Society

Question 1

Which theatrical convention is commonly employed in modern drama?

Accepted Answer

Breaking the fourth wall to directly address the audience

Answer

The use of a proscenium stage

Answer

The employment of elaborate and ornate sets

Answer

The use of traditional iambic pentameter speech

Question 2

In Ibsen's 'Ghosts', which character serves as a symbol of societal hypocrisy?

Accepted Answer

Pastor Manders

Answer

Osvald Alving

Answer

Regina Engstrand

Answer

Jacob Engstrand

Question 3

In Chekhov's 'The Seagull', which character represents the struggles and aspirations of the artist?

Accepted Answer

Konstantin Treplev

Answer

Nina Zarechnaya

Answer

Boris Trigorin

Answer

Irina Arkadina

Question 4

Which of these characteristics is a hallmark of Ibsen's dramatic works?

Accepted Answer

Exploring social and psychological issues

Answer

Extensive use of abstract symbols

Answer

Frequent incorporation of dream sequences and flashbacks

Answer

Primary focus on historical events

Question 5

Stoppard's 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead' is notable for its use of:

Accepted Answer

Meta-theatricality (self-referential elements)

Answer

Stream-of-consciousness narrative

Answer

Naturalistic dialogue that mirrors everyday speech

Answer

Brechtian alienation techniques (distancing the audience)

Question 6

In theater, the term 'fourth wall' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The invisible barrier between the audience and the stage

Answer

The physical division separating actors onstage

Answer

The perspective from which the audience views the performance

Answer

The fourth character to enter the scene

Question 7

Which characteristic is NOT associated with Expressionism in modern drama?

Accepted Answer

Focus on objectivity and logical exposition

Answer

Distorted reality and fragmented narratives

Answer

Exploration of subconscious and dream states

Question 8

In Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard', what does the cherry orchard symbolize?

Accepted Answer

The family's heritage and past

Answer

A symbol of prosperity and wealth

Answer

An escape from reality

Answer

A source of family conflict

Question 9

Which significant theatrical convention does Stoppard employ in 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'?

Accepted Answer

Meta-drama

Answer

Brechtian alienation

Answer

Expressionism

Answer

Epic theatre

Question 10

In the context of modern drama, what is the significance of the 'fourth wall'?

Accepted Answer

The imaginary boundary between the audience and the stage

Answer

A physical wall that creates scenic divisions

Answer

A metaphorical line between fiction and reality

Answer

A symbol of the playwright's power over the audience

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of Chekhov's 'Chekhov's gun' technique?

Accepted Answer

To create suspense and foreshadow events

Answer

To establish a realistic atmosphere

Answer

To introduce new characters

Answer

To provide comic relief

Question 12

In Stoppard's 'Jumpers', what does the 'irrational leap' represent?

Accepted Answer

Rejection of logic and reason

Answer

A leap of faith

Answer

A quest for absolute truth

Answer

The power of imagination

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Stoppard's language in 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'?

Accepted Answer

Formal and conventional

Answer

Playful and witty

Answer

Philosophical and contemplative

Answer

Allusive and erudite

Question 14

Who authored the groundbreaking play 'A Doll's House'?

Accepted Answer

Henrik Ibsen

Answer

Anton Chekhov

Answer

Tom Stoppard

Answer

Samuel Beckett

Question 15

Which theatrical convention is a signature feature of contemporary drama?

Accepted Answer

Meta-theatrical elements

Answer

Soliloquies

Answer

Asides

Answer

Brechtian alienation

Question 16

Which element is not characteristic of Stoppard's dramatic style?

Accepted Answer

Sentimentality and emotionalism

Answer

Intellectual wit and wordplay

Answer

Experimental use of language and structure

Answer

Meta-theatrical elements

Question 17

In Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard', which object serves as a key symbol?

Accepted Answer

The cherry orchard

Answer

The river

Answer

The white horse

Answer

The samovar

Question 18

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with modern drama?

Accepted Answer

Strict adherence to traditional theatrical conventions

Answer

Experimental structure and form

Answer

Emphasis on psychological realism

Answer

Exploration of social and political issues

Question 19

Who is credited with pioneering the 'well-made play' in the late 19th century?

Accepted Answer

Henrik Ibsen

Answer

Anton Chekhov

Answer

Tom Stoppard

Answer

August Wilson

Question 20

Which characteristic is a hallmark of Stoppard's postmodern plays?

Accepted Answer

Extensive use of intertextuality and multiple perspectives

Answer

Linear narrative structure and conventional dialogue

Answer

Focus on psychological depth and social issues

Answer

Reliance on traditional theatrical forms and themes

Question 21

In Anton Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard', what does the titular cherry orchard symbolize?

Accepted Answer

The decline of the aristocracy and societal change

Answer

The loss of innocence and childhood

Answer

The power of nature and human connection

Answer

The importance of tradition and cultural heritage

Question 22

In 'A Doll's House', Nora's decision to leave her husband can be interpreted as an act of:

Accepted Answer

Rebellion

Answer

Self-sacrifice

Answer

Cowardice

Answer

Insanity

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of contemporary drama?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on realism and naturalism

Answer

Use of experimental forms and structures

Answer

Exploration of diverse perspectives and experiences

Answer

Breaking down of the fourth wall

Question 24

Which of Ibsen's plays revolves around the revelation of a family's concealed past?

Accepted Answer

Ghosts

Answer

Hedda Gabler

Answer

A Doll's House

Answer

The Wild Duck

Question 25

Stoppard's 'Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead' draws inspiration from which literary movement?

Accepted Answer

Postmodernism

Answer

Romanticism

Answer

Naturalism

Answer

Symbolism

Question 26

Nora's decision to leave her husband in 'A Doll's House' is primarily motivated by her yearning for:

Accepted Answer

Personal freedom

Answer

Social acceptance

Answer

Financial security

Answer

Romantic love

Question 27

In 'Jumpers', Stoppard's use of wordplay and paradoxes primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Highlight the absurdity of human existence

Answer

Advance the plot through logical arguments

Answer

Create a sense of suspense and mystery

Answer

Convey deep philosophical insights

Question 28

In 'Ghosts', Ibsen explores the consequences of secrets that:

Accepted Answer

Hidden sins

Answer

Religious hypocrisy

Answer

Social inequality

Answer

Romantic obsession

Question 29

Stoppard's 'Travesties' is best described as a:

Accepted Answer

Metafictional comedy

Answer

Historical drama

Answer

Political satire

Answer

Psychological thriller

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a key concept explored in the unit 'Modern and Contemporary Drama'?

Accepted Answer

Historical analysis

Answer

Theatrical conventions

Answer

Social commentary

Answer

Psychological realism

Question 31

What is a distinctive feature of Chekhov's dramatic style?

Accepted Answer

Naturalistic dialogue and realistic portrayal of everyday life

Answer

Emphasis on fast-paced action and elaborate plots

Answer

Use of fantastical elements and magical realism

Answer

Epic structure and historical settings

Question 32

Which of Henrik Ibsen's plays is widely regarded as a groundbreaking example of psychological realism?

Accepted Answer

A Doll's House

Answer

Peer Gynt

Answer

Hedda Gabler

Answer

The Master Builder

Question 33

Within Ibsen's 'Ghosts', which theatrical convention is used to create a sense of mystery and suspense?

Accepted Answer

Foreshadowing

Answer

Flashback

Answer

Symbolism

Answer

Metaphor

Question 34

In Chekhov's plays, what purpose do the "Chekhovian pauses" primarily serve?

Accepted Answer

Highlighting characters' inner turmoil

Answer

Creating moments of comic relief

Answer

Advancing the plot quickly

Answer

Displaying the characters' superficiality

Question 35

Which social issue is central to Ibsen's play 'A Doll's House'?

Accepted Answer

Gender inequality

Answer

Poverty and class division

Answer

Environmental degradation

Answer

Political corruption

Question 36

In Henrik Ibsen's 'A Doll's House', what central theme is explored?

Accepted Answer

The importance of female independence

Answer

The damaging impact of secrets

Answer

The dangers of societal conformity

Answer

The transformative power of love

Question 37

Which theatrical convention is not typically employed in Anton Chekhov's plays?

Accepted Answer

Deus ex machina

Answer

The fourth wall

Answer

Subtextual dialogue

Answer

Chekhovian pauses

Question 38

Which of the following is a hallmark of modern drama?

Accepted Answer

Focus on social and psychological realism

Answer

Elaborate settings and costumes

Answer

Emphasis on tradition and conformity

Answer

Use of stock characters

Question 39

The central theme of Henrik Ibsen's play "A Doll's House" is:

Accepted Answer

The oppression of women in Victorian society

Answer

The dangers of industrialization

Answer

The rise of individualism in the 19th century

Answer

The conflict between good and evil

Question 40

Tom Stoppard's play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" can be described as:

Accepted Answer

A postmodern meta-drama that explores existential themes

Answer

A historical tragedy that reimagines Shakespeare's Hamlet

Answer

A psychological thriller that delves into human nature

Question 41

A common theme explored in modern and contemporary drama is:

Accepted Answer

The alienation and isolation of individuals in society

Answer

The importance of tradition and conformity

Answer

The triumph of good over evil

Question 42

Which theatrical convention is often employed in modern drama?

Accepted Answer

Breaking the fourth wall

Answer

Extensive use of stage machinery

Answer

Use of traditional stock characters

Answer

Emphasis on elaborate set designs

Question 43

In contemporary drama, playwrights frequently explore themes related to:

Accepted Answer

Identity, gender, and sexuality

Answer

Religious themes and moral dilemmas

Answer

Historical events and political struggles

Answer

Classical mythology and epic narratives

Question 44

When analyzing modern and contemporary drama, students should consider:

Accepted Answer

The playwright's intentions, theatrical conventions, and social commentary

Answer

Focusing solely on plot summary and character descriptions

Answer

Memorizing key quotes and stage directions

Question 45

Playwrights often use which technique to create suspense and tension in contemporary drama?

Accepted Answer

Foreshadowing and dramatic irony

Answer

Extensive use of exposition

Answer

Detailed descriptions of characters' physical appearance

Answer

Use of a static and unchanging setting