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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. Which character has been on stage all through the first scene of the play?

2. When does Max say that Sam will be out of the house?

3. When Lenny gets flustered, what does Ruth do?

4. What do Lenny and Ruth argue about?

5. How long does Teddy tell Lenny he will be staying?

Short Essay Questions

1. After Lenny tells Ruth the story about a violent act he once committed, what story does he then tell Ruth about about an old woman?

2. Explain how Sam feels about his performance at work.

3. How does Max respond to Lenny's question about his conception?

4. What story Lenny tells Ruth after he has asked to hold her hand?

5. When Teddy arrives at his family's home, what does he find unchanged?

6. Lenny says he envies Teddy for what reasons?

7. What does Max mean when he uses the phrase "one flow of stinking pus after another?"

8. Which characters, although not seen onstage, are mentioned frequently throughout the play, and how is each related to Max?

9. Throughout the play, Max verbally abuses his son Joey; give an example of this verbal abuse.

10. What evidence do we have that Max dominates his brother Sam, as well as his own sons?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the shocking information Sam reveals near the end of the play and explain the implications of what he tells the family. Explain what evidence there is in the play that Max may have already known this information.

Essay Topic 2

It is evident that Max Joey, and Lenny have little respect for women. Give several examples of how this lack of respect is demonstrated in the play, including examples of how each of the three men speak about and to Ruth disrespectfully as well as specific instances when they show disrespect through their actions.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the impact of the character of MacGregor who, although never actually appearing in the play, has a profound influence on the family.

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This section contains 540 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample