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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. Who does Ethel see in the woods?

2. What happened to Chelsea's husband?

3. What is a possible reason why Norman hasn't gone fishing?

4. In what year is the house at Golden Pond built?

5. What does Norman do when Ethel and Charlie are discussing Chelsea?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

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

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

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

5. Describe the scene and conversation about Elmer.

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

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

8. When does Norman become interested in Chelsea's letter and why might that be?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The next character introduced in Ethel Thayer, Norman's wife, who is about a decade younger than Norman. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Describe Ethel's appearance.

2). What has Ethel been doing and what does this say about her physical health as opposed to that of Norman's?

3). From Act 1, Scene 1, write a brief synopsis of Ethel's personality and what details support your description.

Essay Topic 2

It is obvious that the opening of the Lakeside Cottage is a tradition that goes back many years; in fact, we are told this is the 48th summer that Norman and Ethel have come to their "home in the woods." Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). What do you think the fact that these two have spent 48 summers at this Lake says about them as people?

2). Can you imagine always spending your summers at the same place every year?

3). If you answer yes to the above question, describe the place that you would like to go for that many summers.

4). If you answer "no" to question 2, describe several places that you would want to go for vacations.

5). Are there any traditions you and your family maintain year after year?

Essay Topic 3

Though Ethel and Norman have been married for many years, it is obvious from the very opening of the play that they are quite different. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Compare and contrast Ethel and Norman's personalities. Give supporting details from the entire play.

2). Do you believe that a marriage is better if the two people are similar or opposites? Explain your reasoning.

3). If you were to meet Ethel and Norman, with whom would you feel the most affinity? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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