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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. What does Sam brag about?

2. When he first appears in the play, Max enters the living room and is looking for a scissor for what reason?

3. How does Sam describe Jessie?

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

5. Who has fond memories of a father who played with him and took good care of him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lenny say he is angry at Ruth for calling him by his full name, Leonard?

2. What story Lenny tells Ruth after he has asked to hold her hand?

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

4. What conflicting information does Max give about MacGregor (his father)?

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

6. When Max comes downstairs complaining of noise, what kind of an explanation does Lenny give?

7. Who is Jessie and what do we learn about her at the beginning of the play?

8. Describe Max's attitude toward his brother Sam.

9. When Teddy arrives at his family's home, what does he find unchanged?

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

In your opinion, which character is in the best position to make positive changes in the family's dynamics? Explain why you have chosen this character and what specifically you think this character could possibly do to bring about some change.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Teddy's acceptance of the photograph of his grandfather. Explain when the incident takes place and give two interpretations of why the playwright might have included this incident.

Essay Topic 3

Although Max is a poor example of a father, he seems to know what a father should be. Discuss some specific examples of his fathering skills and explain what proof exists in the play that he seems to understand what makes for a good father. Why do you think Max chooses to father in the way he does? Give examples from the play back up your reasoning.

(see the answer keys)

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