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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 is one of the "exciting duties" that Beatrice says she would like Tillie to perform?

2. Nanny is also described as:

3. How does Beatrice describe her daughter, Tillie?

4. Why is Ruth upset with Beatrice at the end of Act 1?

5. What does Beatrice read about in the newspaper?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Beatrice do to calm Ruth when she is hysterical?

2. When Beatrice receives a call from Dr. Berg, what is her response?

3. Briefly describe Beatrice's recurring nightmare.

4. In what way does Beatrice pay Tillie a compliment prior to the science fair?

5. Why does Beatrice want Tillie to wear a bow in her hair?

6. Is Beatrice of sound mind?

7. Compare Ruth's attitude toward Tillie at the beginning of Act 1 to the end of Act 1.

8. Is Beatrice is a good mother?

9. What does Tillie's monologue in the first scene of Act 1 reveal about the girl?

10. What does Beatrice discuss with Mr. Goodman during their phone conversation in the first scene of Act 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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