View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At what time of day does Act I open?

2. What actress played the role of Blanche in the original cast of Brighton Beach Memoirs?

3. What are the names of Kate’s brothers whom she says drove her mother crazy as they were growing up in Act I?

4. Eugene claims that his grandfather died from what in Act I?

5. Eugene wishes that he’d been born into what heritage in the opening of Act I?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What news does Nora Morton relate to the family when she arrives home in Act I?

5. Why does Eugene’s mother call him inside in the beginning of Act I? What does Eugene relate about his ambitions in this scene?

6. What news does Stanley relate to Eugene in their room before dinner in Act I?

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

8. What are Eugene’s principle concerns in Act I? How does his character evolve in the narrative?

9. How is the character of Kate Jerome described in Brighton Beach Memoirs?

10. How does the historical context of the play relate to its themes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the setting of the play. Examine the year in which the play is set, the location in New York of the Jerome household, and the political, international, and economic atmosphere of this setting. When did the Great Depression begin? What brought about the end of the Great Depression?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the health of Jack Jerome and his condition in the beginning of Act II. When and where did Jack suffer a heart attack? What have the doctors suggested in terms of his treatment? How has Jack responded to their advice?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of Eugene Jerome in Brighton Beach Memoirs. How old is Eugene? What are his aspirations? What are his relationships like within his household and family? How does Eugene change in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 860 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample