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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. As the final scene in Act 1 begins, what does Beatrice drop from the top of the stairs?

2. What does Beatrice ask Tillie to get rid of in the final scene in Act 1?

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

4. Who says that Tillie and Ruth are misfits?

5. What is the subject of Tillie's speeches in Act 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you characterize Janice Vickery's presentation at the science fair? What does this scene do for the mood of the play?

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

3. What does Miss Hanley think of Beatrice?

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

5. 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?

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

7. Is Beatrice content with her life?

8. What do Beatrice and Ruth argue about prior to the science fair?

9. Why does Beatrice chloroform the rabbit?

10. Describe Beatrice's definition of a half-life.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Discuss the minor characters, Nanny and Janice Vickery, in Zindel's play.

a) How do Nanny and Janice Vickery function as sources of comic relief in the play?

b) In what way do Nanny and Janice Vickery further the plot in the play?

c) In what way do Nanny and Janice Vickery further the themes in the play?

d) Why does Zindel include these characters in the play?

(see the answer keys)

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