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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. How does Beatrice's recurring nightmare end?

2. What is Beatrice wearing when she makes her entrance in Act 1?

3. Why did Beatrice's father want her to get married?

4. What is the substance that Beatrice keeps in a small bottle in a chest of drawers?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Beatrice's opinion of the school that Tillie and Ruth attend?

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

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

4. List some of the advice Beatrice gives Tillie before the science fair.

5. Why does Zindel repeat the Conclusion of Tillie's science fair presentation at the end of Act 2?

6. What is the business scheme that Beatrice is preoccupied with in Act 2? According to Beatrice, what role will her daughters play?

7. Briefly describe Beatrice's recurring nightmare.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Tillie's presentation at the science fair. In what way do her findings relate to the play's overriding theme? Compare the effects of radiation on the marigolds to the effects of Beatrice's words and actions on her daughters. What are the implications in terms of Tillie's and Ruth's fate, compared to the fate of the marigolds?

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

There are several symbols in Zindel's play. Explore one symbol and discuss how it relates to a theme or motif in the play.

a) Identify the symbol.

b) What does this symbol represent?

c) Explain how the symbol helps the reader better understand the drama.

(see the answer keys)

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