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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. Who goes down to the lake?
(a) Chelsea and Norman.
(b) Chelsea, Ethel, and Billy.
(c) Chelsea and Bill.
(d) Billy.

2. Why does Ethel talk to Norman before he leaves?
(a) To suggest he wear a raincoat.
(b) She doesn't catch him before he's gone.
(c) To ask him to do something about the spider.
(d) To ask him to take her to town before he leaves.

3. What does Norman mention to Ethel at the opening of this scene?
(a) That Norman finds Ethel as attractive as the day they met.
(b) That Bill Ray does not like fishing.
(c) That Chelsea did not marry Charlie.
(d) That Chelsea is past childbearing age and is childless.

4. What is Bill's response about Billy's announcement?
(a) That he can't believe his son is actually going to read a book in the summer.
(b) That maybe Norman will take him fishing if Billy asks politely.
(c) He hestitates to join the ladies as he is afraid of bears.
(d) That there are still snacks in the cooler they brought.

5. About what does Norman try to talk?
(a) Baseball.
(b) Fishing.
(c) Billy.
(d) California.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the purpose of the things that are hanging?

2. What does Ethel lament about when Norman comes into the room?

3. Why does Ethel think Norman and Billy shouldn't go fishing?

4. What slight derogatory comment does Norman make about Bill?

5. How does Chelsea greet her mother?

Short Essay Questions

1. Give a brief synopsis of the conversation Chelsea and Ethel have about Norman as Chelsea just arrives.

2. 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?

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

4. What does this opening scene suggest about the relationship between Norman and Billy?

5. The scene when Billy Ray is introduced gives subtle clues as to how Norman may not be quite as gruff as first appears and how Chelsea misses the clue. Elaborate on this scene.

6. What do you think this first interaction that you described in question #31 implies?

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

8. Describe Ethel's concern and role in that day's fishing venture.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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