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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. Which of the following statements does Beatrice make about her father?

2. Who calls Beatrice at the end of Act 1?

3. What is the "beautiful word" that Tillie speaks of in her opening monologue?

4. Which of the following statements best describes Ruth's performance in school, according to Beatrice?

5. What does Beatrice read about in the newspaper?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Beatrice content with her life?

2. How would you characterize Janice Vickery's presentation at the science fair? What does this scene do for the mood of the play?

3. During Beatrice's second phone conversation with Mr. Goodman, what concerns does she express about Tillie's science project?

4. Does Beatrice respect Nanny? Support your answer with examples.

5. What kind of career aspirations did Beatrice have when she was in high school? Did she achieve them?

6. What do Beatrice and Ruth argue about prior to the science fair?

7. What excuse does Beatrice give to Mr. Goodman for keeping Tillie home from school?

8. How does Ruth react to Tillie's performance in the school Science Fair?

9. Why does Beatrice chloroform the rabbit?

10. Does it come as a shock to Tillie when Beatrice states that she hates the world? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the concept of triumph in the face of adversity in Zindel's play.

a) Which character overcomes adversity? In what way is this achieved?

b) Give examples of some of the obstacles that this character faces throughout the course of the play.

c) What can be attributed to this character's ability to overcome adversity? How does this person cope and ultimately prevail despite difficult circumstances?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of life and death in Zindel's play.

a) Analyze the characters, the setting, and the story to uncover the ways in which death figures prominently in the play. What impact does death have on the characters?

b) What thing or person represents life in the play?

c) In the end, does life or death prevail in this drama?

Essay Topic 3

There are several characters whose names are mentioned at certain points in time, but do not appear physically in the scenes (for example, Mr. Goodman, Mr. Berg, Miss Hanley, and Nanny's daughter). Discuss the ways in which these characters serve to further the play's overall plot and themes.

(see the answer keys)

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