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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. After lunch, Max abruptly turns his attention from reminiscing to Sam. Who does he compare Sam to?

2. According to Max, when his father was dying, what did he tell Max to do?

3. When Lenny re-enters the room after Teddy and Ruth have had their private discussion, what kind of small talk does Ruth engage in with Lenny?

4. What does Sam do before he leaves for work after lunch?

5. After he reminisces, what does Max ask Sam?

Short Essay Questions

1. What violent action does Max take against Sam?

2. What kinds of demands does Ruth make on the brothers?

3. According to Teddy, how is Ruth different since their marriage?

4. According to Max, what did his father ask him to do when he was dying?

5. What does Teddy tell Max about his family life with Ruth?

6. What word does Teddy used to describe the members of his family?

7. What is Ruth's response to Teddy's urging her to pack up and go home with him?

8. What does Max tell Teddy about Teddy and Ruth's wedding?

9. In what ways does Max compare his father with Sam?

10. By the end of the first act, which characters has Max abused both verbally and physically?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Max refers to generations of his family as being "one flow of stinking pus after another." Explain how the characters in "The Homecoming" are part of the circle of violence which has affected three different generations of Max's family. Give specific examples; include at least three characters in your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Max shows disappointment with his sons. Discuss how Max demonstrates this disappointment, giving specific examples for Lenny, Joey, and Teddy. For what reasons do you think that Max is so clearly disappointed with each of his sons? Comment on whether you think his disappointment in any of his sons is warranted and explain why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characters of Ruth and Jessie, particularly in respect to Max's varying attitude toward each woman.

(see the answer keys)

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