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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 does Gorgeous search for at the close of Act 1, Scene 2?

2. What does Pfeni tell Gregory about Sara's opinion of their relationship?

3. What social situation concerns Tess?

4. How do the main players in this scene go into dinner at the conclusion of Act 1, Scene 3?

5. What is Nick's reaction to the global situation?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the character of Merv.

2. What do we learn about the time setting of this play in Act 1, Sceen 3, and what indicates that?

3. How does Sara act toward Merv in Act 1, Scene 2?

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

5. What is the basis for the political arguments in Act 1, Scene 3?

6. Why might Tess being doing her school project at the opening of Act 1, Scene 1?

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

8. How does Sara feel about Tess's school project?

9. In Act 1, Scene 3, what can be inferred from Sara's participation--or lack thereof--in the political discussions that occur?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are the various characters' identities as Jews important to them?

1) Discuss why someone might turn their back on their identity.

2) Through three characters, show how they either identify or do not identify as Jewish persons.

3) Explore, through your own opinion, whether or not it is important to hold onto your roots.

Essay Topic 2

Passion--or lack of it--plays a part in the play. Choose two characters and discuss the passion in their life (or lack thereof). Remember that passion can be work or a cause or something other than a relationship. Discuss how (if at all) their passion changes during the course of the play.

Essay Topic 3

Middle age is an important element to the play. Pfeni and her sisters are all circling that particular juncture of life. Discuss the importance of the middle age years in relation to the characters. Specifically, discuss Merv's reference to his wife dying just as she was coming into her own. How might that idea (fear of death at middle age) impact the decisions and choices each sister is making?

(see the answer keys)

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