View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens to the party as Gorgeous chatters on?

2. What does Sara think of Tess's project?

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

4. What other play is referenced in Act 1, Scene 3?

5. Why does Sara reject the statuette?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the things learned about Sara's surgery and her feelings about it?

2. Describe the relationship between Geoffrey and Pfeni.

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

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

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

6. How does Merv appear to feel about his Jewishness?

7. What does Act 1, Scene 2 reveal about Sara's attitudes toward marriage and how is this revealed?

8. What does Gorgeous appear to be interested in?

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

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

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

For many people, birthdays are a time of reflection of their past, their present, and their future. The character of Sara experiences a birthday in the play. Discuss how she is at a major crossroads. Examine her past, her present, and her future at this crossroad.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 814 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample