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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. Where does Ruth tell Lenny she and Teddy live?

2. Who was Jessie?

3. After Sam reminds Max that he took Jessie out in a limo because he was taking care of her, what does Max call Sam?

4. In his first appearance in the play, Joey comes home and immediately asks a question about what?

5. Why does Max say that when Sam gets married, he should bring his bride home?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What evidence do we have that Max dominates his brother Sam, as well as his own sons?

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

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

6. The first time Lenny is alone with Ruth, what kinds of personal information does he share with her?

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

8. When Lenny first greets his brother, why does the conversation involve a clock?

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

10. Max threatens violence toward his son Lenny at different points in the play; give one example.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is evident that Max Joey, and Lenny have little respect for women. Give several examples of how this lack of respect is demonstrated in the play, including examples of how each of the three men speak about and to Ruth disrespectfully as well as specific instances when they show disrespect through their actions.

Essay Topic 2

When Ruth first arrives at the family home, she is nearly silent. By the end of the play, she has become the dominant figure. In what specific ways has Ruth changed and what specific reasons do you think account for her change?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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