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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. Who is knocking on the door?

2. What is Norman doing when Act 1, Scene 2 opens?

3. How old is Norman's wife?

4. What is the name of their daughter who visits them?

5. Why didn't Norman pick any more berries?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Charlie and what is a little about his life and/or history?

2. What does Charlie suggest about the broken screen door; what is Ethel's reply and why do you think she responds the way she does?

3. Describe the interaction between Ethel and Norman in this scene and say what you think it may mean.

4. What picture does Norman pick up and what is the story behind it?

5. What does Ethel say about the neighbors and what is Norman's response?

6. How does the broken screen door come into play again and how does it give the reader a better understanding of Norman's character?

7. Though Norman makes no blatant prejudiced statements about Jews, what he does say implies his bigotry. In your own words, what statements seem to suggest that Norman is prejudiced against Jewish people?

8. Give a brief description of the setting at the opening of the play.

9. What makes the reader think that Charlie still feels some interest in Chelsea?

10. Describe the setting at the opening of this scene.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 2, Scene 1, Norman and Billy are sneaking out of the house, acting like old buddies, to go fishing. Choose one of the following to write a coherent essay with detailed examples:

1). Describe the metamorphosis of Billy and Norman's relationship. Fill in the blanks where information is not provided.

2). Discuss why you think Norman adopts some of Billy's style of talk and habits and Billy adopts some of Norman's ideas. Include what those ideas and habits are.

3). Discuss how people tend to treat their grandchildren differently from their children. Give examples from your life or other books/movies you have seen. Why do you think this happens?

Essay Topic 2

In Act 1, Scene 2 when Charlie comes inside, he knocks the screen door off its hinges and offers to help repair it, but Norman refuses his offer, just as Ethel refused Charlie's offer initially to fix the door.

Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Why do you think Ethel refuses Charlie's help with the screen door?

2). Why do you think Norman refuses Charlie's help with the screen door?

3). Do you think the reasons they refuse are influenced by their gender?

Essay Topic 3

In Act 2, Scene 1, Ethel is left alone after Norman and Billy leave. She picks up her old doll, Elmer, and begins to reminisce about her childhood. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). How do each of the following characters--Norman, Ethel, Chelsea, and Charlie--reminisce about days past? Include what they are remembering and the emotional impact the memory holds.

2). Is there any harm in re-living in one's mind the past? What if the past is hurtful, i.e., Chelsea's memories about her father? What if the past memories are of unfulfilled desire, i.e., Charlie feeling sorrow at not marrying Chelsea. Give your opinion with detailed examples.

3). Can re-living the past keep one from really enjoying the present? Give examples from your own experiences and the play.

(see the answer keys)

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