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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 does Michael ask Donald to help with?

2. Who does Donald acknowledge is responsible for any necessary changes in his life?

3. What drink does Donald want?

4. It is obvious that Donald has had an intimate relationship with whom?

5. Who does Alan think is the birthday boy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how Michael continues to taunt Alan after the game breaks up.

2. How does Alan react to the insinuation that he is gay?

3. How is Michael surprised when he grabs the phone from Alan?

4. What finally breaks the tension at dinner?

5. What does Alan's character symbolize in the play?

6. With whom does Harold leave the party?

7. How do the men try to make Alan feel more comfortable at the party?

8. Does Michael think it is possible that Justin may have lied about Alan's sexuality?

9. What is the premise of THE BOYS IN THE BAND?

10. Who is Cowboy and why is he at the party tonight?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the symbolism of Michael's apartment. What does it signify? What role does it play in the drama? Why did the author choose this setting instead of another?

Essay Topic 2

Create a character study of Alan. What are his physical characteristics? What are his motivations? What are his fears? What are his dreams? What else can you say about Alan?

Essay Topic 3

Michael's apartment almost becomes a character in the book because it plays such an important role in the story. Explain how an inanimate object can be a character in a story and how the house "interacted" with the "other" characters. Cite three examples to support your claim.

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