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

2. Kate tells Blanche she’ll find out for her how much whose house rents for in Act II?

3. How old does Jack say his grandmother was when she died?

4. When Stanley returns home at the end of Act II, Eugene tells him, “Mom’s in the kitchen cooking. Pop’s upstairs with his prayer book. They figured if God didn’t bring you home, maybe” what would?

5. When Kate and Blanche begin arguing in Act II, Kate says “I was the workhorse and you were the” what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Jewish heritage of the Jerome/Morton family play into the metaphorical interpretation of the play?

2. Where was Brighton Beach Memoirs first produced? When did it premiere on Broadway?

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

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

5. Who has sent the letter with Laurie in Act II? What news does the letter relate?

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

7. What autobiographical elements can be seen in Brighton Beach Memoirs?

8. How much time passes between the end of Act I and the opening of Act II? How has the household changed?

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

10. How does Eugene respond to Stanley’s departure in Act II? Who does he go to talk to about the situation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the narrative style of Brighton Beach Memoirs and Eugene’s role as narrator in the play. What is the “fourth wall” of the theater and how does Eugene’s narration break the fourth wall? What is this style of speaking to the audience called?

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

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