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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. Eugene tells the audience in Act I that he’s committed a mortal sin by doing what?

2. What is the name of the Broadway musical Nora says she’s going to be cast in, in Act I?

3. Kate tells her sister in Act I, “Remember what Momma used to tell us. Stay on your own side of the street. That’s what they have” what for?

4. What term refers to the method by which the narrator of Brighton Beach Memoirs speaks to the audience?

5. Brighton Beach is located in what borough of New York City?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the narrative style of Brighton Beach Memoirs. What purpose does the use of direct address serve in the play?

2. What information is given to the reader/audience from Eugene in the beginning of Act I?

3. How is the setting of Brighton Beach Memoirs described in the opening stage directions for Act I? What year is the play set in?

4. What do Nora and Laurie discuss while Eugene goes to the store in Act I?

5. What is Eugene doing as the play opens in Act I? How is his neighborhood described?

6. What information does Eugene give to the reader/audience regarding Blanche Morton in the beginning of Act I?

7. How is the Jerome house described in the stage directions for Act I? What comprises the first floor of the house?

8. What do Kate and Blanche discuss alone downstairs after dinner in Act I?

9. How would you describe Eugene’s relationship with his family in Act I?

10. How are Stanley’s actions revealed as honorable in Act I of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine and discuss the actions, objectives, and obstacles of Nora Morton in Act I of Brighton Beach Memoirs. Why does Nora want to be in a Broadway musical? What prevents her from doing so?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Laurie Morton as though you were casting a production of Brighton Beach Memoirs. What actresses in entertainment today would you consider to play this role? Why? How would you like to see the character costumed?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of family in Brighton Beach Memoirs. How important is family to the characters in the story? What symbolism supports this theme? How does this theme evolve in the story?

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This section contains 870 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample