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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. According to Ben, who is not very adaptable?

2. What does Birdie say she wants to do with her money?

3. How does the family communicate with Horace regarding the business matter?

4. Who thinks Horace is holding out for more than a third of the deal?

5. Who announces to the family that the dinner guests are about to enter the parlor?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Regina think about Alexandra's new-found spirit after Horace's death and what does she want for their relationship?

2. In Act 1, what does Birdie want fetched from her house and why?

3. What does Regina cruelly accuse Horace of at the end of Act 2 and what is his response?

4. Why doesn't Birdie get what she wants from her house in Act 1?

5. What does Alexandra say Horace told her about the Hubbard family? Which other character has used the same analogy?

6. Why does Ben's family really now own Lionnet?

7. Discuss two ways that Horace intends to obstruct the schemes of Regina and her brothers.

8. Discuss the events just before and just after Horace goes into cardiac arrest in Act 3.

9. Describe Regina's reaction to Horace's refusal to participate in the deal.

10. Discuss Birdie's dislike for her husband's shooting hobby.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the thoughts and feelings behind Addie's smile as she turns off the light at the end of the play.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Hellman's personal inspiration for writing the play. Where did she get the idea for the play's title and how does it relate to the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the significance of the items Horace keeps in his safe deposit box at the bank.

(see the answer keys)

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