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. What does Beatrice drink while reading the newspaper?

2. What is the name of the lipstick that Ruth borrows from Beatrice?

3. Beatrice states that Mr. Goodman must think she is running which of the following?

4. Which character appears for the first time when Beatrice is reading the newspaper?

5. What does Beatrice read about in the newspaper?

Short Essay Questions

1. What news does Ruth share with Beatrice at the end of Act 1?

2. Why is Beatrice angry at Tillie following the phone call she receives from Mr. Goodman at the beginning of Act 1?

3. Is Beatrice content with her life?

4. Briefly describe Beatrice's recurring nightmare.

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

6. Why does Tillie want Ruth to keep her knowledge about Beatrice being a high school outcast a secret from their mother?

7. Is Beatrice looking forward to attending the science fair at the opening of Act 2?

8. Describe Beatrice's demeanor toward Tillie at the end of the final scene in Act 1.

9. Does Nanny know what has transpired in the Hunsdorfer home in Act 2? Are there any similarities between Nanny and Beatrice?

10. Why does Beatrice refuse to allow Tillie to call the doctor when Ruth falls into a seizure?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Beatrice kill the rabbit? What is her motivation? Is it an act of retaliation? If so, for what? What impact does this act have on Tillie and Ruth? What does the rabbit symbolize in the play?

Essay Topic 2

In what ways does Beatrice seek or crave respect? Why does Beatrice claim that she was one of the most respected students in high school? What is revealed later on in the play that refutes this statement? When Beatrice spars with Ruth in Act 2, she states that she demands nothing else but respect from Ruth. Why is this so important to her? Does Beatrice treat her daughters with respect? Does Beatrice treat anyone else with respect? Does Beatrice respect herself?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the concept of conformity versus individuality in Zindel's play. In what ways do the characters conform to society's expectations of them? In what ways do they remain independent? Which character conforms the most? Which character conforms the least?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 947 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample