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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Ruth's reaction to what she finds in her room in Act 2?

2. What kind of transportation do the girls take to go to the science fair?

3. What does Tillie offer to do when there is a medical emergency in the home?

4. What happens to Tillie's pet in Act 2?

5. What does Ruth say she would not be caught dead wearing on stage?

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

Discuss the passage in which Beatrice calls herself the "original half-life." Does Beatrice have valid reasons for claiming this? What does this statement say about her attitude toward her daughters? How does this statement relate to the play's main themes? Can parallels be drawn between the true definition of a half-life and Beatrice's own life?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the concept of triumph in the face of adversity in Zindel's play.

a) Which character overcomes adversity? In what way is this achieved?

b) Give examples of some of the obstacles that this character faces throughout the course of the play.

c) What can be attributed to this character's ability to overcome adversity? How does this person cope and ultimately prevail despite difficult circumstances?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 331 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample