5. 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?

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

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

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

9. Describe the first interaction between Ethel and Chelsea when they are alone.

10. The fact that Ethel twice suggests that Chelsea make amends with her father because he is old and will not live much longer seems to clearly be foreshadowing something. What do you think it foreshadows?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Near the end of Act 1, Scene 3, the conversation turns to dancing and Norman expresses regret that he has never taken Ethel dancing. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). What else do you think Norman regrets in his life? Support your ideas with details from the text.

2). Do you think Ethel has any regrets? What would those be? Support your ideas with details from the text.

3). It seems clear that Chelsea has regrets, as she names a couple of them. What are they?

4). Is there any good to be had by holding regrets? What can a person do to let go of regrets?

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

One of the very first things the reader becomes aware of is that a probable theme of this play is the idea of aging and its inherent problems. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1.) Who is most obviously failing, probably as a result of age?

2.) What is the main problem Norman is having at the opening of the play?

3.) How common is memory problems among people in their late 70s and older?

4.) Are there ways to combat memory problems? What are they?

(see the answer keys)

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