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

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

3. In Act 1, Scene 7, Gabe appears and sings with Natalie about "the son of steel and the daughter of" what?

4. Who appears to ask Dan why he didn't take her to the hospital in Act 1, Scene 11?

5. In what year did Next to Normal win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What does Gabe sing with Natalie about in Act 1, Scene 7?

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

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

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

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

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

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 3

Discuss use of drug treatment for bipolar disorder and the role that the drugs play in the musical. How does Diana feel when she is medicated?

(see the answer keys)

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