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. How does Artie tell Echo about the National Spelling Bee?

2. Why does Dorothea cut off a lock of Artie's hair?

3. What is Echo's final word in the spelling bee?

4. After all her name-changes and moves, what was Artie finally ready to to?

5. How many times did Artie run away?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Echo so ruthless in her defeat of the little boy?

2. How is Artie's choice of seat at the Spelling Bee a metaphor for her life?

3. After all her time away from Dorothea, why do you think Artie finally called her?

4. Why are Artie and Echo arguing over Dorothea as scene 4 opens?

5. Why does Dorothea cut a lock of Artie's hair?

6. Why does Artie suggest to Echo to practice for the National Spelling Bee?

7. How do Artie and Dorothea feel about Echo's winning of the spelling bee?

8. Why does Echo agree to work towards the National Spelling Bee?

9. What evidence is there in scene 5 that Echo is intrigued by her mother and wants to get to know her?

10. Why do you think Artie left her daughter with Dorothea, despite her own traumatic childhood with her mother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Artie's father is mentioned briefly in the play. Discuss how Artie's father influenced the women in the play, despite his seemingly small role.

Essay Topic 2

In scene 3, the character of Dorothea is explored. What are your feelings about Dorothea? Do you feel sympathy for her or do you think her techniques of raising children are inexcusable? Explore your thoughts on this complex character.

Essay Topic 3

Dorothea and Artie have negative feelings about Echo winning the spelling bee because of Echo's poor treatment of her opponent. How do you think things might have been different if Echo had actually lost the spelling bee? How do you think Artie and Dorothea would have reacted then?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 715 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample