Question 1: Briefly explain how the play's setting changes when reimagined as a dystopian future.

Answer: It shifts from the Great Depression to a collapsing society experiencing chaos and despair, with characters seeking refuge in memories.

Question 2: Identify one key symbol mentioned in the summary and explain its significance.

Answer: The glass animals, symbolising fragility, innocence, and escapism.

Question 3: What does the phrase 'fragile illusions' suggest about the characters' mental states?

Answer: It suggests that their hopes and memories are delicate and easily shattered, representing their attempts to escape reality.

Question 4: Analyse how the theme of escapism is reinforced through the setting in the dystopian context.

Answer: In the dystopian setting, the collapse of society heightens characters' reliance on memories for comfort, making their escapism more poignant. The bleak environment contrasts with their nostalgic recollections, emphasising the fragility of their mental refuge and highlighting the human tendency to cling to hope amid chaos.

Question 5: Identify a literary technique used in the phrase 'fragile illusions' and explain its effect.

Answer: The phrase uses alliteration ('fragile illusions'), which emphasises the delicacy and fleeting nature of their dreams.

Question 6: In what ways might the memories serve as a form of resistance against societal collapse in the play?

Answer: Memories provide emotional refuge and personal identity, allowing characters to resist the dehumanising effects of societal collapse.

Question 7: Describe how the concept of nostalgia is portrayed in the summary.

Answer: Nostalgia is portrayed as a longing for a lost, perfect world, offering comfort and escape from present horrors.

Question 8: See worksheet

Answer: See full answer key