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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 Blanche offer to her visitor?

2. Mitch tells Blanche: You need _______. And I need __________ too.

3. What did Blanche begin to be known as in Laurel?

4. What time of year is it at the start of scene 7?

5. What is Blanche's explanation for what happens in #127?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Blanche ask Mitch in French, though he can not understand what she is saying?

2. What does Mitch do when Blanche asks him to guess her weight?

3. Why does Mitch turn down a drink from Blanche?

4. Why is Stella afraid for Blanche as she realizes that Blanche's past has caught up with her?

5. How does Blanche prepare herself after Mitch rings the doorbell?

6. What does Blanche suggest she and Mitch do when they arrive in the Kowalski's apartment?

7. Why does Blanche tell Stella not to light the candles on the birthday cake?

8. How does Stanley explain his ethnic background to Blanche?

9. How does Stanley break down Blanche's fantasy?

10. Why does Blanche think has happened to Mitch that he is not at her party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of putting on a good appearance for others is something Blanche takes very seriously, adjusting her makeup and always making sure she smells good. Why do you think Blanche cares so much about appearances, not just her own? What do proper appearances mean? What do the other characters in the story feel about appearance?

Essay Topic 2

Stanley tells Stella at one point that everything will be better once the baby is born and Blanche is gone. Do you think this is the truth? Why or why not? Do you think Stanley believes what he says? Why or why not? Was Blanche really the cause of their problems or was she just a convenient excuse? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Belle Reve seems to be the last straw for Blanche's sanity and her life. But what really happened to Belle Reve? What do you think happened? Why has this affected Blanche in the way that it does? What other explanation could there be for the downfall of Belle Reve?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 589 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample