The Laramie Project

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Act I

Reading Check

1. Where does the play derive its content from?

2. What does Detective Sergeant Hing remark about reporters?

3. Why did Jedadiah’s parents not want him to do the Angels in America scene?

4. What phrase is on the University Inn marquee?

5. Where was the last place that Matthew was seen in public?

6. According to Stephen Mead Johnson, what has the fence become?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Jedadiah Schultz say defines Laramie? Which towns does he compare it to?

1. How does the “Journal Entries” Moment differ from the “A Definition” Moment?
2. What were some of the interests and behaviors of Matthew Sheppard, according to his peers? How did they view him before his murder?
3. Compare and contrast the differing reports of the night Matthew was tortured. What are some of the discrepancies between them?
4. Consider how Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson are viewed by their peers. How does this view compare to the crimes they are convicted of?
5. Summarize the circumstances surrounding the discovery of Matthew’s body. What happened, and who was involved?