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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why didn't Norman pick any more berries?
(a) He couldn't find any ripe ones.
(b) He thought it was unreasonable for Ethel to ask that of him.
(c) He went fishing instead.
(d) He got lost in the woods and was frightened.

2. What does Norman do when Ethel and Charlie are discussing Chelsea?
(a) Ties flys for fishing.
(b) Cleans his shotgun.
(c) Tries to interest Charlie in a discussion of baseball.
(d) Gets up and goes outside.

3. For what reason is Chelsea going to visit?
(a) To announce a big surprise.
(b) To go fishing with Norman.
(c) For Norman's birthday.
(d) Because she is moving overseas and it is the last time she'll see her parents for several years.

4. How old is Norman's wife?
(a) 92.
(b) 69.
(c) 77.
(d) 59.

5. Who is knocking on the door?
(a) Ethel.
(b) Charles.
(c) Chelsea.
(d) The neighbor.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Charlie offer to do for Ethel and Norman?

2. What is Charlie's response to Ethel's suggestion?

3. For what job does Norman contemplate applying?

4. What does Norman ask the phone operator to do?

5. Why do Chelsea and her boyfriend leave young Billy with Norman and Ethel Thayer?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Charlie and what is a little about his life and/or history?

2. The fact that Norman attempts to get Charlie to discuss baseball foreshadows several other times that Norman uses baseball to hide his discomfort in carrying on meaningful conversations, particularly concerning Chelsea. What is foreshadowing?

3. Give a brief description of the setting at the opening of the play.

4. Describe the scene and conversation about Elmer.

5. What does Charlie suggest about the broken screen door; what is Ethel's reply and why do you think she responds the way she does?

6. Describe what happens when Norman uses the phone.

7. What is both a foreshadowing and a "frame" for the play that occurs at the end of this scene?

8. What other elderly couple is mentioned in this scene and what does Ethel say about them?

9. Who is the elderly couple in the play and where are they arriving at the opening of the play?

10. What does Charlie say about Chelsea and children and what does this possibly reveal about Charlie as a person?

(see the answer keys)

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