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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 Kate offer to cook for Blanche after they’ve made up at the end of Act II?

2. Due to Jack’s health, Jack and Kate are unable to go to an affair to see who with his orchestra in Act II?

3. What book is Laurie reading when Eugene comes to her room to talk in Act II?

4. How much money does Stanley give to his father that he earned setting pins at the bowling alley the night before at the end of Act II?

5. Before he leaves in Act II, Stanley tells Eugene, “If you ever write a story about me, call me” what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What causes the initial conflict between Kate and Blanche in Act II?

2. What do Jack and Stanley discuss after Stanley’s return home in Act II?

3. How does the relationship between Blanche and Kate evolve through the narrative?

4. How effective was Neil Simon in integrating drama and comedy in his writing of Brighton Beach Memoirs?

5. Why do Jack and Kate Jerome argue in the beginning of Act II?

6. How is Blanche’s appearance described when she enters in Act II? What causes tension in this scene regarding Stanley’s income?

7. How is the relationship between Eugene and Laurie illustrated in the play?

8. How is Brighton Beach Memoirs metaphorical for the onset of World War II?

9. How does Kate respond when Stanley confesses the truth about his salary in Act II?

10. What other plays are connected in the trilogy that includes Brighton Beach Memoirs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sexuality in Brighton Beach Memoirs

a. Discuss the differences and similarities between male and female sexuality in the play. How do Eugene and Stanley view the women and girls of their household?

b. How are the characters of Kate and Blanche similar? How are they different? How does the playwright illustrate gender expectations and roles in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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