View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. About what awkward arrangement does Bill ask?

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

3. What interrupts Chelsea and Ethel's conversation?

4. What is the first thing Norman says to Billy after his father goes outside?

5. What does Chelsea say in response to Norman's question about the car?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

2. 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?

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

4. Describe the scene that occurs after Charlie arrives and what theme this vignette may illustrate.

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

6. 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?

7. 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.

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

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 2, Scene 1, Norman and Billy are sneaking out of the house, acting like old buddies, to go fishing. Choose one of the following to write a coherent essay with detailed examples:

1). Describe the metamorphosis of Billy and Norman's relationship. Fill in the blanks where information is not provided.

2). Discuss why you think Norman adopts some of Billy's style of talk and habits and Billy adopts some of Norman's ideas. Include what those ideas and habits are.

3). Discuss how people tend to treat their grandchildren differently from their children. Give examples from your life or other books/movies you have seen. Why do you think this happens?

Essay Topic 2

In the opening to Act 1, Scene 3, Norman comments to Ethel that Chelsea is now past her childbearing years and never had a child. Choose one of the following to write a coherent essay with detailed examples:

1). For many centuries, women were considered property, or at the very least, someone to produce a male heir for the family line. Write an essay briefing describing the change in status of women in your home country over the past three centuries.

2). Is woman's most important function that of producing children? Write an essay about how women who have chosen to remain childless are viewed in your culture; give specific examples. Give your personal opinion also.

3). Along with the idea of childbearing is the controversy of the right to choose an abortion. Write an essay taking a stance using detailed examples to support your stance.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,628 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample