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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Beatrice do immediately after completing her second phone call in Act 2?

2. At the beginning of Act 2, Ruth reveals that she overheard a conversation between two people. Who are these people?

3. What is Ruth concerned about before Tillie goes on stage?

4. What was Beatrice's high school nickname?

5. According to Tillie, the seeds which received the most radiation ...

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

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

There are several characters whose names are mentioned at certain points in time, but do not appear physically in the scenes (for example, Mr. Goodman, Mr. Berg, Miss Hanley, and Nanny's daughter). Discuss the ways in which these characters serve to further the play's overall plot and themes.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 323 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample