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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 word refers to anything, as an act or event, that serves as a stimulus and initiates or precipitates a reaction or series of reactions?

2. Who is the protagonist's husband in Next to Normal?

3. What does Gabe eventually influence Diana to say in Act 1, Scene 10?

4. What drug does Henry give to Natalie in Act 1, Scene 7?

5. Diana reveals what to Dan in Act 1, Scene 6?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the song "I Miss the Mountains" metaphorical for? What does Diana do while singing it?

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

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

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

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

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

8. What are Henry and Natalie doing in Act 1, Scene 4? Who watches them?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the relationship and correlations between Diana and Natalie in the opening of Act 2. How does this intercut scene reflect their similarities?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the relationship of Henry and Natalie in Act 2, Scene 2. What objective is each character seeking and why?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of sibling rivalry in the narrative. How is this theme manifested in the relationship between Gabe and Natalie?

(see the answer keys)

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