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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. Gorgeous's husband does not attend the party. What reason is give in Act 1, Scene 2?

2. What compliment does Merv pay Sara in Act 1, Scene 3's close?

3. When Pfeni first arrives, she is late. Who or what does she blame that on?

4. What is Tess listening to when Pfeni arrives?

5. What does Gorgeous say Sara has become?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What can be discerned about the sisters' father?

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

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

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

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

7. What does Gorgeous appear to be interested in?

8. What is represented by Sara's rejection of the statue of Shiva?

9. Sara says Pfeni sounds very "New York." What does she mean by that?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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.

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