3. 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?

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

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

6. 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.

7. 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?

8. Describe the scene and conversation about Elmer.

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

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

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

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 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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