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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 excuse does the spelling bee give Artie?

2. After Artie accidentally sees Echo in scene 5, what does she suggest to Echo?

3. What excuse does Artie originally give for not being able to attend the spelling bee?

4. What chance of reuniting her family through the spelling bee did Echo have?

5. Who meets up after the spelling bee?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think Artie realizes the importance of the spelling bee to Echo?

2. Why do you think that Dorothea reacts so coldly to Artie when she searches for the lock of hair?

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

4. Why did Dorothea change her granddaughter's name to Echo?

5. What happens to Artie when her mother reappears in her life?

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

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

8. What do all of the "educational stops " which the Westbrook women made have in common?

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

10. Why do you think Dorothea wanted Echo to be so willing to give forgiveness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how motherhood is handled by both Dorothea and Artie. Do you think Echo will be different in her role as a mother?

Essay Topic 2

Artie said she could remember everything and was against total recall as a form of learning. Despite this, she drilled Echo repeatedly on spelling words. Why do you think she chose to teach Echo in this way? What other factors may have played into her decision?

Essay Topic 3

The title of the play is a background theme throughout the play. Discuss why this title is appropriate for the play. Give examples of how it is used throughout the play.

(see the answer keys)

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