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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Eugene say his father passed out when he suffered a physical ailment in Act II?

2. Eugene says of his mother in Act II, “If I told her I just lost both my hands in an accident she’d say” what?

3. How much money does Stanley say he lost in November and claimed he had a hole in his pocket?

4. Where is Blanche going to dinner for her date in Act II?

5. Jack tells Kate in Act II, “I’m not going to leave you. I promise. If I didn’t leave you for another woman, I’m certainly not going to” what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What has Neil Simon noted in terms of his relationship to Brighton Beach Memoirs and its autobiographical elements?

2. How is the relationship between Eugene and Laurie illustrated in the play?

3. How does the conflict between Kate and Blanche become resolved in Act II?

4. How effective was Neil Simon in integrating drama and comedy in his writing of Brighton Beach Memoirs?

5. How much time passes between the end of Act I and the opening of Act II? How has the household changed?

6. What gift does Stanley give to Eugene in Act II? What is Eugene’s response?

7. Where was Brighton Beach Memoirs first produced? When did it premiere on Broadway?

8. What other plays are connected in the trilogy that includes Brighton Beach Memoirs?

9. What criticisms did Neil Simon receive for the original production of Brighton Beach Memoirs?

10. What news does Stanley relate to Eugene in their room in the beginning of Act II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Stanley’s decision to write a letter of apology to get his job back at the end of Act I. What does this action mean in terms of Stanley’s ethics? Would you make the same decision? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Laurie Morton as though you were casting a production of Brighton Beach Memoirs. What actresses in entertainment today would you consider to play this role? Why? How would you like to see the character costumed?

Essay Topic 3

Sexuality in Brighton Beach Memoirs

a. Discuss the differences and similarities between male and female sexuality in the play. How do Eugene and Stanley view the women and girls of their household?

b. How are the characters of Kate and Blanche similar? How are they different? How does the playwright illustrate gender expectations and roles in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

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