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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 aspects of Joan and Deborah does Danny attack?

2. What does Bernie think will happen in Danny and Deborah's relationship?

3. What would the King do to the girls after he was done with them?

4. Where did Danny spot Deborah?

5. What astrological sign do Danny, Deborah, and Bernie have in common?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Bernie's explanation for what constitutes a "pro"?

2. How do Bernie and Danny feel about the women on the beach?

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

4. Why won't Danny talk to Bernie about he and Deborah's sex life?

5. Why have Bernie and Danny gone to the beach?

6. What sexual problem did Joan have with her previous boyfriend?

7. What sex advice does Bernie give Danny after meeting Deborah?

8. How is Act 26, when Danny is awake and Deborah is asleep, juxtaposed with the other scenes where they are in bed together?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

David Mamet as a playwright typically has a very strong perspective in his plays. How does perspective come into play in Sexual Perversity in Chicago? How does a character's perspective influence his or her behavior? How does it influence the behavior of others? Examine each character throughout the play and discuss how their specific perspective contributes to the action of the play:

1) Bernie.

2) Joan.

3) Deborah.

4) Danny.

Essay Topic 3

Write a character study of Bernie Litko in Sexual Perversity in Chicago. Is Bernie a static character or a dynamic character, i.e., does he stay the same throughout the play or does he change? Did your opinion of Bernie change throughout the play? Why or why not? Describe aspects of Bernie's personality. What drives him through life? How may the childhood molestation have affected his behavior as an adult? How does he feel about women? Organize your thoughts into sections and devote at least one paragraph to each point.

(see the answer keys)

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