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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 his long speech, what does Teddy call the members of his family?

2. Which character does Max refer to as a "maggot" and a "grub"?

3. When Max sees Ruth for the first time, what does he ask Teddy?

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

5. What is the relationship between the two characters who are up early at the beginning of Act I, Scene 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. What argument do Max and Joey have at the beginning of the Act 1, Scene 3?

2. When Teddy and Ruth come downstairs and surprise Max, what is the first thing he wants to know?

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

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

5. What similarity is there between Teddy and Ruth's family and Max and Jessie's family?

6. Why does Max hit Joey?

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

8. What did Ruth say she did for a living before she was married?

9. As Act Two opens, what positive and negative comments does Max make about his late wife?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the importance of foreshadowing in the play, giving several examples of how the technique is used effectively.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The subject of prostitution comes up several times during the play. Give at least two examples and explain what larger implication this subject carries.

(see the answer keys)

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