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

Short Answer Questions

1. After the science fair, which of the following questions does Ruth NOT ask Beatrice?

2. Which of the following characters is not at home in Act 2?

3. What does Beatrice do immediately after placing her first phone call in Act 2?

4. What is Beatrice's reaction to the medical emergency that takes place at the end of Act 2?

5. Per Zindel's stage directions, the spotlight "clings" to which character at the end of Act 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Beatrice kill the rabbit? What is her motivation? Is it an act of retaliation? If so, for what? What impact does this act have on Tillie and Ruth? What does the rabbit symbolize in the play?

Essay Topic 2

In what way do dreams influence and inform the characters in Zindel's play?

a) Discuss Ruth's nightmare about Mr. Mayo. What kind of impact does this nightmare have on Ruth?

b) Discuss Beatrice's nightmare about riding the horse wagon into a silent neighborhood. Why does this dream frighten Beatrice?

c) Discuss the theme of shattered dreams in the play. Which character or characters has dreams that are never attained? What effect does this have on this character?

d) Which character or characters have given up on their dreams? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Zindel's play explores the theme of science and its impact on humankind. Discuss the ways in which Zindel presents this theme throughout the course of the play. Do you agree or disagree with Tillie's statement at the conclusion of her science fair presentation: "THE DAY WILL COME WHEN MANKIND WILL THANK GOD FOR THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL ENERGY FROM THE ATOM."

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