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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 say about their father?

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

3. Why does Sara say Pfeni sounds very "New York"?

4. Why does Sara complain to Pfeni about Tess?

5. Before Geoffrey met Pfeni, with whom did he live?

Short Essay Questions

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

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 appear to feel about her past?

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

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

6. Describe the character of Merv.

7. What are Sara's relationships like as seen in Act 1, Scene 1?

8. What is the Concert of Europe?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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