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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 is the name of Robbie's lover as revealed at the start of this scene?

2. What did Pale threaten the other driver that he would do if the other driver didn't back off?

3. What does Larry decide to put on the card instead of any of the typical Christmas symbols?

4. Pale assures Anna that Robbie's family knew he was ____________.

5. On this card, there can not be anything _____________ as not everyone celebrates Christmas in the same way.

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Pale, why does he hate messages and small pieces of paper?

2. Why does Anna have to stay in the house of Robbie's family after the wake?

3. What is the reasoning Anna gives for having spent a lot of money on the new flutes?

4. To what story does Larry equates Burton's writing and motivation?

5. What happened between the man and Burton that Burton encountered when he was walking home drunk at the age of 20?

6. What does Anna think they should do with Robbie's mail when Larry asks her what they should do with his mail?

7. What happens to Anna when she is sleeping in the bedroom of the one of the nephews in Robbie's family?

8. Why does Burton decide to go home after his conversation with Anna and with Larry?

9. What is Burton's profession, as revealed at the start of the play?

10. What is the news that Burton learns upon arriving in Anna's apartment at the start of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea that Larry has to come up with a Christmas card that doesn't offend anyone becomes a late night topic of discussion.

Part 1: Do you think anything can ever be completely unoffensive? Why or why not?

Part 2: Why do you think that Larry's coworkers thought his comment about homosexuals was a joke?

Part 3: Why do you think the company wanted the card to be as unoffensive as possible?

Essay Topic 2

Pale seems to be a person who can not stay on one topic for a very long time as he first talks to Anna.

Part 1: Why do you think Anna continues to talk to Pale, even though he is scattered?

Part 2: Why do you think Pale continues to change the subject while talking with Anna?

Part 3: Do you think that Pale and Anna are a realistic couple? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Anna is also upset about the idea that Robbie's family never saw him dance, which was his one true passion.

Part 1: Why do you think Robbie never shared with his family his dancing?

Part 2: Do you think you would hide some of your talents from your family? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think Robbie's family deserved to see him dance? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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