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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 does Diana make a huge pile of before collapsing on the floor in Act 1, Scene 1?

2. Who claims that he sits behind Natalie in several classes and knows her schedule in Act 1, Scene 2?

3. What is the title of the song sung by Natalie in Act 1, Scene 2?

4. How many Tony Awards did Next to Normal win the year it was nominated for eleven awards?

5. What refers to a substance in its carbonate or citrate form used in the treatment or prophylaxis of bipolar disorder or mania?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What songs are sung by the doctor and Gabe in Act 1, Scene 9? What do they describe?

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

4. What song is performed by Diana and Gabe in Act 1, Scene 10? What does Gabe encourage Diana to do?

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

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

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

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

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

10. What is revealed about the character of Gabe in Act 1, Scenes 4 and 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the song "Hey #2" and the role of reprise in the musical. What effect do reprises have on the reader/audience member?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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