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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. In which city does "The Homecoming" take place?

2. What does Teddy suggest to Ruth after they have been home awhile?

3. How long does Teddy tell Lenny he will be staying?

4. Who was Jessie?

5. What does Max tell Lenny to stop?

Short Essay Questions

1. "The Homecoming" takes place in an old London house where four men live. Who are these men and how are they related to each other?

2. What does Max mean when he uses the phrase "one flow of stinking pus after another?"

3. Explain how Sam feels about his performance at work.

4. Throughout the play, Max verbally abuses his son Joey; give an example of this verbal abuse.

5. During the argument over the glass of water, what does Ruth dare Lenny to do?

6. Which characters, although not seen onstage, are mentioned frequently throughout the play, and how is each related to Max?

7. What does Lenny ask his father about the night he was conceived?

8. What does Max say about his understanding of female horses?

9. How does Max respond to Lenny's question about his conception?

10. Just after they arrive at the house, what does Teddy reassure Ruth about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Teddy wants his family's respect, however, he fails to stand up for himself as a husband. What explanation can be given for the way he simply stands by and lets Ruth be convinced to stay with his family? What, if anything, does Teddy do to try to get Ruth to leave with him? What does this say about Teddy and Ruth's relationship? What does it say about their character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of rejection in the play. Include examples of the way at least four characters experience rejection or reject another character.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characters of Max and Sam, two brothers who seem to represent totally opposite values. Include specific examples of their differences and their attitudes toward each other.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 547 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample