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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 is Norman's response to Ethel's reply?

2. Who catches Ethel singing?

3. What happened in Brussels with Bill and Chelsea?

4. What does Bill say he saw when he comes into the house?

5. Why does Ethel go to get a rake?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the two fishermen's interaction as they leave for the dock.

2. What does Ethel do after Norman and Billy leave?

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

4. The scene when Billy Ray is introduced gives subtle clues as to how Norman may not be quite as gruff as first appears and how Chelsea misses the clue. Elaborate on this scene.

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

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

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

8. 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.

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

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

In the very first scene of the play, it is already obvious that one of the themes will be daughter/father relationships. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Give your opinion about how you think Norman and his daughter will get along, just based upon the little that is revealed in the first scene of the play.

2). The part of the first scene where Norman looks at Chelsea's picture of her in a swimsuit as a teen is a technique called foreshadowing. What does this foreshadow? Is this an effective method to clue the reader in on some future action in the play? Why or why not.

3). Are you as a reader prepared to like Chelsea or not based on what is subtly revealed about her in this first scene? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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