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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 happens to the rental car on the way to the cottage?

2. What does Ethel tell Chelsea that surprises Chelsea?

3. With what language is Norman helping Billy?

4. What do Bill and Norman talk about mostly at the beginning of their conversation?

5. What does Ethel lament about when Norman comes into the room?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Norman tell Ethel she shouldn't do in front of Chelsea and her boyfriend and how does this brief exchange between Norman and Ethel demonstrate a difference in their personality?

2. The opening conversation in this scene brings up an idea already discussed in the previous scene. What does the conversation concern?

3. What does this opening scene suggest about the relationship between Norman and Billy?

4. One of the statements Bill makes to Norman about Norman's teasing suggests that Chelsea has already prejudiced Bill towards Norman. Describe the scene and say if you think it was fair or wise of Chelsea to "warn" Bill.

5. What theme is illustrated by what Ethel does right after Norman and Billy leave?

6. Describe Bill's appearance and Billy and Norman returning from downstairs and how does this give readers a sense who Bill is?

7. Describe the interaction between Norman and Bill after the others have gone outside.

8. How does the interaction between Norman and Billy Ray in this introductory scene demonstrate the probability that their relationship will be different from the one that Chelsea experienced with her father when she was young?

9. What do you think this first interaction that you described in question #31 implies?

10. How, at this point in the play, is Billy's relationship with Norman different from that of Chelsea with her father, Norman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Two people mentioned in Act 1, Scene 1, are Miss Appley and Miss Tate who are both in their nineties. Ethel implies that these two have been romantically involved for many decades. This play was written in the 1970s, which means Miss Appley and Miss Tate probably became lovers in the early part of the 1900s. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). How difficult do you think it was for the two women to have a relationship in the early part of the 20th century?

2). What do you think the attitude of each of their parents was when it became obvious that the two women were not going to marry men?

3). How would you feel if Miss Appley and Miss Tate were your next door neighbors?

(see the answer keys)

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