Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Who calls Arnold?
2. How does Arnold make a living?
3. What has taken Ed by surprise?
4. How is the lighting arranged in this scene?
5. What does Ed ask the person with whom he is conversing?
Short Essay Questions
1. Describe Ed's thoughts about the weekend so far.
2. Why does Ed think Laurel is attracted to gay men?
3. What is the significance of the term "Stretto" in this scene?
4. Describe the fight between Arnold and his mother after the news of David's adoption was discusssed.
5. How does this act end?
6. Describe the opening to this scene.
7. Why do you think the author uses the word "Stretto" again in naming this scene?
8. What happens when Arnold joins Ed and David on the park bench?
9. What do Arnold and Alan decide about their relationship?
10. With whom is Ed speaking and what is the content of the conversation?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
In "Fugue in a Nursery: Prologue," it is obvious that Laurel and Ed end up together. Discuss one of the following topics in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:
1. Compare and contrast the way a heterosexual versus a homosexual relationship might be different in the day to day living of it.
2. Discuss how the lack of legal rights may help or hinder a gay relationship. Should homosexual relationships enjoy the benefits of legality? Why or why not.
3. Compare and contrast the attitude towards homosexuals in the early sixties with the attitudes in the first decade of the 21st century.
Essay Topic 2
In "The International Stud: Scene 5," Ed talks to Arnold after Arnold's performance. Arnold expresses his hurt that Ed was/is unwilling to introduce Arnold to his parents as Ed's lover. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:
1. Do you think Ed is being fair to Arnold? Why or why not?
2. What do you think you would do if you were Arnold in this scene?
3. Have you ever had a friend or romantic interest that you would be unwilling or hesitant to introduce to your parents? Did you do it anyway? Why or why not?
4. If Arnold were to go to a therapist or "peer counselor" and describe the situation with Ed, what do you think that person would tell Arnold? Would you tell Arnold the same thing?
Essay Topic 3
In "The International Stud: Scene 3," Arnold finally contacts Ed, who admits he is dating a woman. It seems likely from the conversation between Arnold and Ed that Ed is very aware of family and societal pressures to be "normal." Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:
1. In what ways does the culture in which you live define normalcy as heterosexuality? Use examples from movies, t.v., school, church, and other cultural institutions. Discuss the ramifications of bucking cultural pressure and living life as a homosexual.
2. How does one's family of origin help shape one's perceptions of what is normal? What sort of overt, covert, and unconscious pressure is placed on one to conform to one's family's definition of normal? What are some behaviors and beliefs that are considered normal? Give examples both from the play, Torch Song Triology and your own life.
3. Discuss three famous people who have chosen to live apart from what is considered normal: not necessarily as homosexuals, but in any way that society might label as different or not normal. Do you admire these people's choices? Do they violate any moral laws according to how you have been raised. Could you see your self making a similar choice? Include, if you are comfortable in doing so, ways that you have chosen to be or do what is considered not normal.
This section contains 1,453 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) |