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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 Lenny give Ruth after Teddy goes upstairs?

2. What does Max tell Lenny to stop?

3. What occupation does Lenny tell Ruth he's always imagined for himself?

4. Which character has been on stage all through the first scene of the play?

5. The first time Max mentions a man named MacGregor, what does he say about him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the relationship between Max and Rose and what two other characters have the same relationship?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Lenny says he envies Teddy for what reasons?

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

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

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

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

Analyze the ending of the play in terms of what it means for Max, for Ruth, and for the future of each of the characters in the play.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the relationship between Teddy and Ruth. Explain what evidence exists which shows care and concern on the part of either or both characters. Discuss the conflicts evident in their marriage and the consequence of those conflicts.

(see the answer keys)

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