2. What refers to a type of affective disorder characterized by euphoric mood, excessive activity and talkativeness, impaired judgment, and sometimes psychotic symptoms, as grandiose delusions?

3. Who takes some of Diana's medication in Act 1, Scene 8?

4. What emotional ballad does Dan sing to Diana in Act 1, Scene 11?

5. Who played the character of Natalie in the original Broadway cast of Next to Normal?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Dr. Madden suggest to Diana in Act 1, Scene 10? Where does she go after she leaves his office?

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

5. How is the Goodman family portrayed in the first scenes of Act 1?

6. What does Diana reveal to Dan in Act 1, Scene 6? What song does she sing in this scene?

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

8. Describe the structural elements which stand out in the first scenes of Act 1. How is musical improvisation used as a literary technique?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?