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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. What beverage does Beatrice prepare for Nanny?

2. Why is Ruth upset at first when she sees the flashlight?

3. In the final scene at the end of Act 1, what does Tillie carry in from the front door?

4. Why did Beatrice's father want her to get married?

5. Which of the following animals appeared in a recurring nightmare that Beatrice used to have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Beatrice discuss with Mr. Goodman during their phone conversation in the first scene of Act 1?

2. Why does Beatrice refuse to allow Tillie to call the doctor when Ruth falls into a seizure?

3. What happens to Ruth after she learns of the rabbit's death?

4. Describe Beatrice's demeanor toward Tillie at the end of the final scene in Act 1.

5. What do Beatrice and Ruth argue about prior to the science fair?

6. Why does Beatrice not tell the truth to her daughters about her experiences in high school?

7. What is the explanation that Ruth gives Mr. Goodman for her sister's absence from school?

8. Why does Zindel repeat the Conclusion of Tillie's science fair presentation at the end of Act 2?

9. What news does Ruth share with Beatrice at the end of Act 1?

10. What does Tillie's monologue in the first scene of Act 1 reveal about the girl?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several symbols in Zindel's play. Explore one symbol and discuss how it relates to a theme or motif in the play.

a) Identify the symbol.

b) What does this symbol represent?

c) Explain how the symbol helps the reader better understand the drama.

Essay Topic 2

Loneliness and isolation are a recurrent theme in Zindel's play. How is this theme developed in Act 1 and Act 2?

a) Analyze the play's setting, the Hunsdorfers' home. In what ways does it reinforce the theme of loneliness and isolation?

b) Analyze the characters of Beatrice, Tillie, Ruth, and Nanny. How is each one afflicted with loneliness and isolation?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the minor characters, Nanny and Janice Vickery, in Zindel's play.

a) How do Nanny and Janice Vickery function as sources of comic relief in the play?

b) In what way do Nanny and Janice Vickery further the plot in the play?

c) In what way do Nanny and Janice Vickery further the themes in the play?

d) Why does Zindel include these characters in the play?

(see the answer keys)

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