View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which statement does Beatrice make before the science fair?

2. When someone says goodnight to Beatrice at the beginning of Act 2, what name does she call her?

3. What does Ruth announce when Tillie returns home from the science fair?

4. During Tillie's science presentation, she appears:

5. During the final portion of Tillie's science presentation, what special effect is used?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the concept of triumph in the face of adversity in Zindel's play.

a) Which character overcomes adversity? In what way is this achieved?

b) Give examples of some of the obstacles that this character faces throughout the course of the play.

c) What can be attributed to this character's ability to overcome adversity? How does this person cope and ultimately prevail despite difficult circumstances?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In what way do dreams influence and inform the characters in Zindel's play?

a) Discuss Ruth's nightmare about Mr. Mayo. What kind of impact does this nightmare have on Ruth?

b) Discuss Beatrice's nightmare about riding the horse wagon into a silent neighborhood. Why does this dream frighten Beatrice?

c) Discuss the theme of shattered dreams in the play. Which character or characters has dreams that are never attained? What effect does this have on this character?

d) Which character or characters have given up on their dreams? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 427 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample