Wasps test 2 2006

1. Wasps test 2 2006 • LEADER: Who is it that’s keeping you shut up in there? [Philocleon, putting his finger to his lips, remains silent.] Come on, you can tell us, we’re your friends. • Philocleon: My son. But don’t shout so loud – he’s asleep out in front there. Keep your voices down. • LEADER: But why is he doing it? What’s his motive? • Philocleon: He won’t allow me to go to court: [petulantly] he won’t let me do any harm to anybody. He wants to give me a good time, he says. I’ve never heard such nonsense. I don’t want to be given a good time. • LEADER: Outrageous! It’s a threat to democracy! He’d never dare to say such things unless he was plotting to overthrow the constitution. Traitor! Conspirator! – But you must try to find some way of escape. Can’t you get down to us without him seeing you? • Philocleon: What way out is there? See if you can find one – I’ll do anything, I’m desperate. If only I could get to court again! [Lyrically] I’m dying to file past the screens again, with the pebble in my hand! • LEADER: Couldn’t you tunnel a way through the wall and come out disguised in rags, like wily Odysseus? • Philocleon: They’ve stopped up all the holes: there isn’t a chink a gnat could squeeze through. You’ll have to think of something else. What do you think I’m made of? Cream cheese? • LEADER: Remember the Naxos campaign, and the way you stole those spits and climbed down the wall? • Philocleon: Ah, yes, but things were different then. I was a young man, quick-footed and light-fingered; at the height of my powers. And I wasn’t under guard: I could get away quite safely. But this place is besieged: there’s a whole battalion of heavy infantry right across my line of retreat. There are two of them down by the door, watching every move I make. Anyone’d think I was the cat, trying to make off with tomorrow’s joint. They’re the ones that have got the spits. • LEADER: Come on, you’ve got to think up some way of getting out, quickly – it’s getting light.

2. (a) (i) Who are Philocleon’s “friends” (line 3)? (ii) Why have they come to his house?

3. (b) Explain the significance of the pebble that Philocleon wants to hold in his hand (line 15).

4. (c) Describe in detail Philocleon’s earlier unsuccessful attempt to escape “like wily Odysseus” (line16-17)

5. (d) (i) What idea does Philocleon come up with for “getting out” of the house (line 29)?(ii) How successful is his escape?

6. (e) Discuss in detail TWO aspects of Philocleon’s character revealed in this extract. Provide evidence from the extract to support your answer.

7. (f) Discuss in detail TWO reasons for the Leader’s accusation that Philocleon’s confinement represents “a threat to democracy” (line 10).

8. (g) (i) In the agon, Philocleon explains how he behaves in court. Discuss in detail the ways in which he does “harm” (line 7). You must make THREE points and provide specific examples from the play to support your answer.

9. (g) (ii) To what extent are politicians held responsible for the corruption of the Athenian justice system in the Wasps? Provide evidence from the play to support your answer. Do not repeat information used elsewhere.