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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. The song sung by Dr. Madden and Diana in Act 2, Scene 7 is a reprise of what earlier song?

2. The song sung by Natalie and Henry in Act 2, Scene 6 is a reprise of what song?

3. When Henry says he'll be there for Natalie in Act 2, Scene 12, she protests, with increasing anger, that she might turn out to what?

4. In Act 2, Scene 5, Gabe sings of the hole left in Diana's mind by what?

5. What song is sung by Diana and Dr. Madden in Act 2, Scene 7?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who arrives after Dan leaves in Act 2, Scene 5? What interaction takes place with Diana?

3. What reprise is sung by Diana in Act 2, Scene 7? What conversation takes place between Diana and Dr. Madden in this scene?

4. What songs are sung by the ensemble in Act 2, Scene 9? What are the songs about?

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

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

7. What question does Diana pose to Dr. Madden in Act 2, Scene 10? What is Madden's reply?

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

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

10. What does Natalie confess in the song "Next to Normal" in Act 2, Scene 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the conclusion of Act 1. What stylistic elements are in place in this climactic scene? What is pertinent about the reference to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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

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