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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. Why is Beatrice sad after she tells Ruth the story of her recurring nightmares?

2. Why is Beatrice annoyed with the person to whom she places a telephone call in Act 1?

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

4. Beatrice states that she wishes she had completed her education in which of the following fields?

5. Where does Tillie go immediately after the scream is heard in Act 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Beatrice treat her daughter, Tillie?

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

3. What is the cause of Ruth's emotional episode during the thunderstorm?

4. Why does Beatrice not tell the truth to her daughters about her experiences in high school?

5. Why do Tillie's classmates laugh at her at the science assembly at the beginning of Act 1?

6. Is Beatrice of sound mind?

7. When Beatrice and Tillie are arguing before the science fair, what does Beatrice claim as the reason she is looking forward to the event?

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

9. Is Beatrice content with her life?

10. What is the one thing that Beatrice demands from Ruth, and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explore the mother-daughter relationships in Zindel's play.

a) Is Beatrice a good mother? Why or why not?

b) Is Beatrice a traditional mother? Why or why not?

c) Does Beatrice express love for her daughters? If so, how?

d) Is Beatrice a role model to them? Why or why not?

e) How do Tillie and Ruth relate to Beatrice? Are they rebellious? Obedient?

f) Do Ruth and Tillie express love for Beatrice? If so, how?

Essay Topic 3

Is Zindel's play still relevant to today's reader? Why or why not? Would Beatrice's circumstances be any different in today's world? If the play were set in present time, would it be as plausible that Beatrice is so limited in her options? Would Tillie's interest in science make her a social outcast today? Why or why not? Today, would others (school officials, state agencies) be more likely to intervene on behalf of Tillie and Ruth, and to protect them from Beatrice? In what other ways is the play "dated"? Are there any aspects of the story or characters that seem to be specific to the time period in which the play was written?

(see the answer keys)

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