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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 Ethel ask Norman when she comes inside?

2. With what does Ethel replace the food Billy has in his hand?

3. What surprises Billy about the lake cottage?

4. What is Bill's response about Billy's announcement?

5. What does Chelsea say about her attitude over the years?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. How does the way Ethel behaves in helping Norman and Billy get off to the lake demonstrate an aspect of her personality?

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

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

7. Give a brief synopsis of the conversation Chelsea and Ethel have about Norman as Chelsea just arrives.

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

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

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 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 2

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 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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