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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 is Sam doing in the kitchen during Max's and Joey's discussion about going out together?

2. After Sam, Lenny, Max, and Teddy have finished lunch and are smoking cigars, on what are they complimenting Ruth?

3. After Max recovers from his collapse, what does he ask Ruth?

4. After chastising Teddy for bringing Ruth into his house, who does Max ask to throw Ruth and Teddy out?

5. On the morning after Teddy and Ruth's arrival, just before Max invites Joey to go out with him for the afternoon, what does Max complain about?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of response does Teddy make to his brothers' caressing Ruth?

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

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

4. What is Teddy's response to Ruth's question about whether the family has read any of his works?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Max and Sam, two brothers who seem to represent totally opposite values. Include specific examples of their differences and their attitudes toward each other.

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

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.

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