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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 do Geoffrey and Pfeni wear when they enter Act 1, Scene 3?

2. What sort of dinner is Merv hoping for?

3. What would Geoffrey like to do with the delegation?

4. Where does Tom work?

5. What do Marv and Tess discuss at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 3?

Short Essay Questions

1. What comparisons might be drawn between the Chekhov play, The Sisters, and this one?

2. What is learned about the unseen mother of the three sisters in Act 1, Scene 2?

3. In Act 1, Scene 2, give an example that demonstrates what is revealed about Pfeni's self-image.

4. What does Sara believe men's perceptions of her are, and how does Merv seem to perceive her?

5. What is Sara's opinion of Geoffrey and Pfeni's relationship, and how is this revealed?

6. What is the Concert of Europe?

7. What is represented by Pfeni's traveling with shopping bags and how is this indicated in Act 1, Scene 1?

8. How does Sara appear to feel about her past?

9. In Act 1, Scene 2, what are the preparations for the Sabbath?

10. How does Sara appear to deal with her feelings?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the statue of Shiva, the goddess of rebirth and destruction. Examine Shiva and her symbolism in light of the character changes that Sara undergoes. How is her old life destroyed and a new life and beginning formed? Use specific examples from the play.

Essay Topic 2

What is the nature of the relationships between mothers and daughters? Though the three sisters' mother, Rita, is unseen in this play, enough hints and revelations are offered that we know a bit about her and her relationship with Pfeni, Gorgeous, and Sara. In addition, Sara and Tess have a relationship very much present in the play.

1) Offer a statement about the relationship between mothers and daughters as depicted in this play.

2) Using the sisters and Tess and Sara, offer evidence for this view of the nature of mothers and daughters.

Essay Topic 3

Sara is repeatedly described as "bitter" and "cold" and "hard." Discuss her emotional journey throughout the play. Offer specific examples of her hardness, then her gradual softening. What incidents cause some of the changes along her journey?

(see the answer keys)

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