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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. In the story that Ethel tells about when the character in question #26 was young, what was he carrying?

2. For what job does Norman contemplate applying?

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

4. What does the couple watch as the scene closes?

5. Whose boat pulls up to the dock?

Short Essay Questions

1. What picture does Norman pick up and what is the story behind it?

2. Who visits Norman and Ethel and what do they leave there?

3. How does the broken screen door come into play again and how does it give the reader a better understanding of Norman's character?

4. What does Ethel say about the neighbors and what is Norman's response?

5. Describe the scene and conversation about Elmer.

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

7. 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?

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

9. Another bit of conversation at the end of this scene is indicative of a recurrent theme of this play. Describe the conversation and briefly say what the theme is you think it is bringing up.

10. What makes the reader think that Charlie still feels some interest in Chelsea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Ethel pulls her doll, Elmer, out of the fireplace, Norman suggests that Elmer might have been attempting suicide when he fell into the fireplace and that he might try that some day himself. Choose one of the following topics and write a cohesive essay with detailed examples.

1). Compare and contrast Norman and Ethel and their attitudes towards death and suicide. Include how you think each of them might commit suicide given their different personalities.

2). Write an essay about the topic of assisted suicide. Include your opinion of it and who you think should be able to take such an action.

Essay Topic 2

In Act 2, Scene 1, Ethel is left alone after Norman and Billy leave. She picks up her old doll, Elmer, and begins to reminisce about her childhood. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). How do each of the following characters--Norman, Ethel, Chelsea, and Charlie--reminisce about days past? Include what they are remembering and the emotional impact the memory holds.

2). Is there any harm in re-living in one's mind the past? What if the past is hurtful, i.e., Chelsea's memories about her father? What if the past memories are of unfulfilled desire, i.e., Charlie feeling sorrow at not marrying Chelsea. Give your opinion with detailed examples.

3). Can re-living the past keep one from really enjoying the present? Give examples from your own experiences and the play.

Essay Topic 3

In Act 1, Scene 2, throughout the entire discussion about Chelsea, Norman is attempting to discuss baseball with Charlie who seems more interested in Chelsea. Choose one of the following to write a coherent essay with detailed examples:

1). Compare and contrast Ethel's willingness to discuss and reveal feelings versus Norman's reluctance to do so. Is the difference between them a general difference between men and women?

2). Compare and contrast Charlie and Norman's personalities. How similar do you think Charlie and Norman would be as fathers?

3). Write about the three times Norman attempts to discuss baseball when others are trying to have more significant conversations with him. The three persons are first Charlie, then Bill and finally Chelsea.

(see the answer keys)

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