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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 Artie ask Bananas to do that he thinks could heal her?

2. What does Bunny stuff into her boots in order to keep her feet warm?

3. Where does Bunny go when Artie asks her to leave?

4. What does the character on stage at the beginning of the play repeatedly try to get the audience to do?

5. Artie attempts to show the audience his talent in the beginning of The House of Blue Leaves, at what level of talent is he?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ronnie dressed in when we first see him in Act I, Part I?

2. What does Bananas' story about being on the snowy rooftop foreshadow?

3. What is the second box that Ronnie returns from the bedroom with?

4. What does Bananas' dream about wandering around the house and crying illustrate for the audience?

5. What sign of gentleness toward Bananas does Artie have in Act I, Part II?

6. Is Billy impressed by Ronnie's routine?

7. In his story, Ronnie explains that Billy came to Queens; what was Billy doing?

8. What does Artie comment to the audience at the beginning of Act II, Scene I, Part II regarding Bunny and Bananas?

9. What does Ronnie explain to the audience that he did when Billy came over to the apartment?

10. What does Artie shout offstage for?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several recurring symbols throughout The House of Blue Leaves. Pick one and discuss it at length: what it means, where it is seen and why, its meanings within the play's context, why this symbol works, and how it furthers the play's narrative and meaning. Use specific examples and quotes from the play to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

In the final scene of The House of Blue Leaves, the Little Nun describes an orchard being a metaphor for life. What is the significance of this is relation to the rest of the characters and the play? Use specific information and quotes from the text to support your response.

Essay Topic 3

Bananas and Artie clearly have a dysfunctional relationship. Artie goes through a range of emotions pertaining to Bananas throughout the play before eventually strangling her at the end. Analyze the couple's relationship through a chronological standpoint, assessing the significance of their relationship in the play. Use specific information and quotes from the text to support your response.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 632 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample