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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. What is Charlie's response to Ethel's suggestion?

2. Who does Ethel see in the woods?

3. About what does Ethel complain?

4. What is Norman doing when Act 1, Scene 2 opens?

5. Where is Chelsea going after stopping to see her parents?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe the scene and conversation about Elmer.

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

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

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

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

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

10. Describe the setting at the opening of this scene.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 2, Scene 1, Ethel is left alone after Norman and Billy leave. She picks up her old doll, Elmer, and begins to reminisce about her childhood. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). How do each of the following characters--Norman, Ethel, Chelsea, and Charlie--reminisce about days past? Include what they are remembering and the emotional impact the memory holds.

2). Is there any harm in re-living in one's mind the past? What if the past is hurtful, i.e., Chelsea's memories about her father? What if the past memories are of unfulfilled desire, i.e., Charlie feeling sorrow at not marrying Chelsea. Give your opinion with detailed examples.

3). Can re-living the past keep one from really enjoying the present? Give examples from your own experiences and the play.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Act 1, Scene 2 opens with some similarities to the opening of Act 1, Scene 1, but there are also some differences in the setting and initial actions of the characters. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). What is similar about the opening of this scene as far as the setting is concerned?

2). What is different about the setting?

3). Do you think that when something is repeated in such a brief play, it is significant?

4). Ethel is again knocking on the door and again, Norman does not realize it is her knocking. Why do you think the author repeats this scenario, albeit slightly differently? What is significance of Ethel knocking expecting Norman to open the door? Is this a metaphor for their relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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