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. Where does the letter say Frank is moving after he gets out of his current difficulties in Act II?

2. Where does Laurie say her sister goes every night with the boy she’s been seeing in Act II?

3. Kate tells Jack in Act II, “My family were worriers. Worriers generally marry” what?

4. Why is Frank at fault for his hospitalization in Act II?

5. What flavor ice cream does Jack tell Eugene to get for his mother in Act II?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the conflict escalate between Kate and Blanche in Act II?

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

4. Why does Stanley decide to leave home in Act II? What does he ask Eugene for before he goes?

5. How is Brighton Beach Memoirs metaphorical for the onset of World War 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. What do Jack and Stanley discuss after Stanley’s return home in Act II?

8. What news does Jack Jerome receive via a letter in the mail in Act II?

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

10. What criticisms did Neil Simon receive for the original production of Brighton Beach Memoirs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of Brighton Beach Memoirs. In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader or audience member?

b. How does Brighton Beach Memoirs compare with other Broadway plays written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Neil Simon’s writing?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the character of Stanley Jerome in the play. How old is Stanley? What kind of relationship does he have with his younger brother? How is Stanley regarded by his parents?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 866 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample