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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 means to manage or influence skillfully, especially in an unfair manner?

2. What song is sung by Henry and Natalie in Act 2, Scene 6?

3. By what name does Diana refer to her doctor in Act 2, Scene 2?

4. What reprise is sung by Natalie and Henry in Act 2, Scene 12?

5. What song does Diana sing to Dr. Madden in Act 2, Scene 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reaction does Diana have to returning home in Act 2, Scene 2? What song is sung?

2. What does Dan attempt to show Diana in Act 2, Scene 4? What makes Natalie almost leave?

3. What questions does Diana bombard Dan with in Act 2, Scene 8? What is his response?

4. What ironic comment does Natalie make about her mother's treatment in Act 2, Scene 2?

5. Where are Henry and Natalie in Act 2, Scene 1? Why is Natalie distraught?

6. What is revealed about the character of Natalie in Act 2, Scene 1?

7. What interaction takes place between Henry and Natalie in Act 2, Scene 6?

8. What is the conclusion of Diana's and Dr. Madden's disagreement in Act 2, Scene 10?

9. What does Diana reveal to Natalie in their brief scene in Act 2, Scene 11?

10. What is revealed in the conversation between Henry and Natalie in Act 2, Scene 12?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the setting of Next to Normal. What are the time and place in which the action takes place? How is the setting evoked in the music?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the author's use of irony and symbolism in Act 1, Scene 8. How is reality explored through the character of Gabe?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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