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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. How old is the protagonist's daughter in Next to Normal?

2. Who appears and sings along with Dan using no words in Act 1, Scene 11?

3. Approximately how old was Gabe when he died?

4. What song does Dan sing as he tidies up in Act 1, Scene 11?

5. In what year was Next to Normal nominated for eleven Tony Awards?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the theme of hope and light symbolized in Act 1, Scenes 10 and 11?

2. What structurally takes place in Act 1, Scenes 10 and 11? What film is references in these scenes?

3. What does Dr. Madden reveal after Diana's song in Act 1, Scene 10? What treatment does he suggest?

4. How is Gabe different as a character from the others in Act 1, Scenes 1-3?

5. What song does Dan sing to Diana about their son in Act 1, Scene 5? What does the song reveal?

6. What does the song "I'm Alive" relate to in Act 1, Scene 8?

7. Describe the central themes in Next to Normal. What does the story of the play revolve around?

8. What is the subject and style of the song "Superboy and the Invisible Girl"? Who sings it?

9. What new doctor does Diana see in Act 1, Scene 8? What is revealed about her medical history?

10. What takes place at the family dinner in Act 1, Scene 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the role of Gabe in Next to Normal. With what characters does Gabe interact and what is symbolized through Gabe's character?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the musical elements, structure and terms in Act 1, Scene 1. How are the music and dialogue intercut and what effect does this have on the reader/audience?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the role of the choral ensemble in Next to Normal. How does the chorus relate to choruses of the Classical Greek theater?

(see the answer keys)

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