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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 invites Ethel and Norman to dinner?

2. What does Ethel suggest Charlie do?

3. What happened to Miss Appley last week?

4. How old is Norman?

5. How old is Norman's wife?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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?

8. What does Charlie say about Chelsea and children and what does this possibly reveal about Charlie as a person?

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

10. Who is the elderly couple in the play and where are they arriving at the opening of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 1, Scene 2, Charlie is again mentioned; in fact, he arrives at the door. Choose one of the following and write a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Compare and contrast Charlie with Bill.

2). Charlie could be said to be a foil to Bill. What does that term mean and how might it be true of Charlie? Give specific examples.

3). Charlie might be said to be an archetype of "the boy next door." Explain in detail the term archetype. Give examples as to why Charlie could be considered an archetype of "the boy next door."

Essay Topic 2

In Act 1, Scene 3, young Billy Ray is introduced and hits if off immediately with Norman, who has a somewhat strained relationship with his own daughter, Chelsea. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Why do you think Norman seems more relaxed and open to Billy Ray versus Chelsea?

2). Do you think Norman would have preferred a son rather than a daughter? Why?

3). Do you think most couples hope for a son as first born or at least having a son to carry on the family name?

4). How do you think the natural inclination for many couples to want at least one son has on the psychological health of daughters?

Essay Topic 3

In Act 2, Scene 2, Ethel and Norman are packing when the phone rings and Bill is on the line to invite the elderly couple to visit in California. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). After Bill's interaction with Norman when they first meet, do you believe Bill sincerely wishes to spend time with Norman again? Describe the interaction between the two men and then explain why you think Bill does or does not want to have Norman to his home.

2). After Chelsea gets on the line and re-issues the invitation, Norman is still hesitant until he thinks about the fact that he'll see Billy again. How would you feel if your father only wants to visit you to see your stepson? Do you think Norman is being honest with himself about Billy being the main reason Norman will go to California?

3). Taking in consideration the phone exchange between Chelsea and Norman, and the fact that Norman agrees to go to California only to see Billy, do you think the relationship between Norman and Chelsea has improved at all since Chelsea's visit? What else can the two do to improve their relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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