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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. For what job does Norman contemplate applying?

2. Why do Chelsea and her boyfriend leave young Billy with Norman and Ethel Thayer?

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

4. Who is coming with Chelsea on her visit?

5. What does Norman ask the phone operator to do?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the scene and conversation about Elmer.

4. 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?

5. Describe the setting at the opening 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. Briefly describe Norman Thayer, the first character on the set.

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

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

10. Describe Ethel and a little about her.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 2, Scene 1, Norman and Billy are sneaking out of the house, acting like old buddies, to go fishing. Choose one of the following to write a coherent essay with detailed examples:

1). Describe the metamorphosis of Billy and Norman's relationship. Fill in the blanks where information is not provided.

2). Discuss why you think Norman adopts some of Billy's style of talk and habits and Billy adopts some of Norman's ideas. Include what those ideas and habits are.

3). Discuss how people tend to treat their grandchildren differently from their children. Give examples from your life or other books/movies you have seen. Why do you think this happens?

Essay Topic 2

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.

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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