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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 reflective ballad does Dan sing in Act 1, Scene 5 about his son?

2. What refers to the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning?

3. What lightly textured waltz tune does Diana sing in Act 1, Scene 10?

4. What refers to the science dealing with the preparation, uses, and especially the effects of drugs?

5. Who suggests that what Diana is doing is a good idea and that she is brave in Act 1, Scene 4?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the symbolic and metaphoric elements in Act 1, Scenes 10 and 11. What object becomes important in these scenes and why?

3. What irony can be seen by the reader or audience member in the character of Gabe?

4. What does Dan sing about in the song "It's Gonna Be Good"? Where is he?

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

6. What triggers Diana's memory flashback in Act 1, Scene 4? What is the memory of?

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

8. How is the music used in expressing the inner thoughts of the characters in Act 1?

9. What do the members of the Goodman family sing about in the song "Just Another Day" in Act 1, Scene 1?

10. What is sung about and by whom in the songs "Who's Crazy" / "My Psychopharmacologist and I"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the choices and motivations of Dan in the narrative. What decisions of Dan's have been questionable? Do you believe he has the best intentions for Diana? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the effects of double-casting in dramatic works. What effect does having Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine played by one actor create in the audience? Are other roles in the play double-cast?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the characters of Dan and Dr. Fine in the musical. What is the objective of each of these characters and how do they go about attaining those objectives?

(see the answer keys)

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