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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. Why are Bernie and Danny angry with the woman?

2. What trick does Bernie think the pornographic movie is using to prolong the action?

3. What is Deborah's job?

4. What word does Deborah's mother confuse for "cookie" in Deborah's childhood?

5. What do Bernie and Danny think the woman is doing on the beach?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Joan's reaction to Deborah's new relationship?

2. In the movie theater, who does Bernie think looks like Deborah?

3. What question regarding religion and sex does Bernie's television program pose?

4. What two things does Bernie suggest to Danny about attracting women?

5. After Bernie realizes Danny is serious about Deborah, what warning does he give?

6. As Danny helps Deborah move out of her apartment, how does Joan behave?

7. What is the significance of Deborah and Danny's fight over the shampoo?

8. What does Bernie say about Deborah's profession, upon meeting her for the first time?

9. While Bernie and Danny are shopping for Bernie's nephew, what secret does Bernie reveal about his childhood?

10. After they sleep together for the first time, what do Danny and Deborah agree to do next?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What stereotypes are used in Sexual Perversity in Chicago? How do such stereotypes contribute to the story, and to understanding the characters? Examine scene six in the play. Why is this scene significant? What does it reveal about the characters in the play? How do their sexual impulses control them? Why is it a problem for them to be controlled by sexual impulses? Does this restrict other areas of their lives? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Though Danny and Deborah start out seemingly strong, they are doomed for failure. Why? What aspects of a real relationship are incompatible for them? Are Danny and Deborah representative of a larger societal picture? Why or why not? Compare their sexual relationship to their emotional relationship---what are the differences between the two? How do each of them react to their breakup? Do you find theirs a stereotypical courtship, relationship, and parting of ways? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Examine both Sexual Perversity in Chicago and The Duck Variations according to the tradition structure of dramatic literature. In each play, what is the:

1) Exposition?

2) Rising action?

3) Climax?

4) Falling action?

5) Conclusion?

(see the answer keys)

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