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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. How does Chelsea greet her mother?

2. What does Ethel suggest to Norman?

3. What is the purpose of the things that are hanging?

4. How does Act 3, Scene 1 end?

5. Who does Norman tell Billy not to awaken?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What can be inferred by the fact that Norman calls Billy by the name Chelsea from time to time?

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

5. How does the first interaction between Chelsea and her parents show the reader the relationship between Chelsea and each of her parents?

6. Describe Ethel's concern and role in that day's fishing venture.

7. Describe the opening scene in Act 2, Scene 1.

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

9. 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?

10. What regret does Norman express and what may that regret foreshadow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

The last scene in the play is one that is bittersweet in that it is obvious that Norman will die in the not-too-distant future, and yet at the same time, the fact that he finally overcomes his inhibitions and dances with Ethel is a thing of hope--hope that an "old geezer" like Norman can change. Choose one of the following questions and write a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Discuss the theme of death that runs throughout the play, using specific examples.

2). Discuss the theme of redemption for at least two of the main characters; be sure to include specific examples.

3). Discuss the theme of romance and how it can be demonstrated as shown throughout the play.

(see the answer keys)

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