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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 does the couple watch as the scene closes?

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

3. For what reason is Chelsea going to visit?

4. Of what ethnic group does Norman seem prejudiced?

5. Why didn't Norman pick any more berries?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What picture does Norman pick up and what is the story behind it?

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

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

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

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 Ethel and a little about her.

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

10. 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?

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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