2. Though Norman makes no blatant prejudiced statements about Jews, what he does say implies his bigotry. In your own words, what statements seem to suggest that Norman is prejudiced against Jewish people?

3. Describe Ethel and a little about her.

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

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. Give a brief synopsis of Ethel and Charlie's conversation and what the author may be showing through this conversation.

7. Briefly describe Norman Thayer, the first character on the set.

8. Describe the interaction between Ethel and Norman in this scene and say what you think it may mean.

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

10. What question does Norman ask Charlie and what is the implication of Charlie's answer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Two people mentioned in Act 1, Scene 1, are Miss Appley and Miss Tate who are both in their nineties. Ethel implies that these two have been romantically involved for many decades. This play was written in the 1970s, which means Miss Appley and Miss Tate probably became lovers in the early part of the 1900s. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). How difficult do you think it was for the two women to have a relationship in the early part of the 20th century?

2). What do you think the attitude of each of their parents was when it became obvious that the two women were not going to marry men?

3). How would you feel if Miss Appley and Miss Tate were your next door neighbors?

Essay Topic 2

Near the end of Act 1, Scene 3, the conversation turns to dancing and Norman expresses regret that he has never taken Ethel dancing. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). What else do you think Norman regrets in his life? Support your ideas with details from the text.

2). Do you think Ethel has any regrets? What would those be? Support your ideas with details from the text.

3). It seems clear that Chelsea has regrets, as she names a couple of them. What are they?

4). Is there any good to be had by holding regrets? What can a person do to let go of regrets?

Essay Topic 3

In Act 1, Scene 2 when Charlie comes inside, he knocks the screen door off its hinges and offers to help repair it, but Norman refuses his offer, just as Ethel refused Charlie's offer initially to fix the door.

Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Why do you think Ethel refuses Charlie's help with the screen door?

2). Why do you think Norman refuses Charlie's help with the screen door?

3). Do you think the reasons they refuse are influenced by their gender?

(see the answer keys)

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