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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. How does Norman talk as he and Billy head to the boat?
(a) In slang like Billy.
(b) Singing a song about a wily catfish.
(c) He doesn't talk and tells Billy not to so as to not alert the fish.
(d) In whispers so as not to scare the loons awake.

2. What is the first thing Norman says to Billy after his father goes outside?
(a) That Billy will eat only at mealtimes.
(b) That Norman hopes Billy will tell him about Swiss Family Robinson when he's done reading it.
(c) That maybe Norman and Billy can go fishing sometime.
(d) That Billy better learn to say please and thank you.

3. How does Ethel respond when Chelsea continues to speak about her father being difficult?
(a) She gets angry.
(b) She denies that he has been that difficult.
(c) She is sympathetic.
(d) She gets exasperated.

4. What does Bill say he saw when he comes into the house?
(a) A doe with her fawn.
(b) A bear.
(c) A pair of loons.
(d) A red-tailed hawk.

5. Where do Ethel and Norman find Billy?
(a) Back in his bed.
(b) Behind the couch.
(c) Out on the porch.
(d) Down by the lakeshore.

Short Answer Questions

1. What news does Chelsea give Norman?

2. Who goes down to the lake?

3. What does Ethel ask Norman when she comes inside?

4. With what does Bill become irritated?

5. About what does Billy say Norman talks to him while they are out fishing?

Short Essay Questions

1. One of the statements Bill makes to Norman about Norman's teasing suggests that Chelsea has already prejudiced Bill towards Norman. Describe the scene and say if you think it was fair or wise of Chelsea to "warn" Bill.

2. How does the way Ethel behaves in helping Norman and Billy get off to the lake demonstrate an aspect of her personality?

3. How, at this point in the play, is Billy's relationship with Norman different from that of Chelsea with her father, Norman?

4. Describe the interaction between Norman and Bill after the others have gone outside.

5. What can be inferred by the fact that Norman calls Billy by the name Chelsea from time to time?

6. Referring back to your answer in question #25, venture a guess as to why Chelsea's boyfriends were timid around Norman.

7. How does the interaction between Norman and Billy Ray in this introductory scene demonstrate the probability that their relationship will be different from the one that Chelsea experienced with her father when she was young?

8. Describe the two fishermen's interaction as they leave for the dock.

9. What does Ethel do after Norman and Billy leave?

10. The opening conversation in this scene brings up an idea already discussed in the previous scene. What does the conversation concern?

(see the answer keys)

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