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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 does Ruth say when Beatrice is halfway through telling the story of her recurring nightmare?

2. When Beatrice recalls her childhood to Ruth, she says ...

3. What is Beatrice's reaction to Dr. Berg's phone call?

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

5. At the end of Act 1, Tillie reacts to Beatrice in what way?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly describe Beatrice's recurring nightmare.

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

3. At the beginning of Act 2, what does Ruth reveal to Tillie about their mother's experience in high school?

4. What is the history folder, and what information does it contain?

5. Why is Beatrice offended during her second phone conversation with Mr. Goodman?

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

7. What is Beatrice's state when Tillie and Ruth return home from the science fair? How does she react to the news that Tillie has won?

8. Is Beatrice supportive of Tillie's interest in science?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the scenes that incorporate comic relief in Zindel's play.

a) What are some examples of comic relief in the play?

b) What purpose does comic relief serve in the play?

c) Which character brings the most comic relief to the play?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the characters of Beatrice, Tillie, and Ruth.

a) In what ways are these characters similar? In what ways are they different?

b) Which character is the most "rounded" of the three? Which character is the least?

c) What are each character's values? How do they differ from each other?

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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