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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 time of year is it at the start of scene 7?

2. What has Stanley bought Blanche as a birthday present?

3. Why did Blanche lose her teaching job?

4. With whom did Blanche find her husband in bed?

5. Who was said to have been told that Blanche's house was off limits to them?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Mitch confused about the signals that Blanche has been giving during their date?

2. What really happened at Blanche's teaching job that caused her to come to New Orleans?

3. When Stella confronts Stanley on the porch about his rude behavior, what does Stanley say?

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

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

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

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

8. What does Blanche do even though Stella begs her not to?

9. What does Stanley reveal to Stella about Blanche, that he found out additionally?

10. What does Blanche put on as she pulls her trunk into the center of the bedroom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mitch is an interesting character from the start. He doesn't seem to be like the others, and yet, he doesn't really seem to have a grip on his life or his future. Why do you think Mitch falls for Blanche? Why do you think he can't get past her sordid past? Would these two have made a good couple? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The setting of Elysian Fields seems to be a depressing one. Give three examples of things that surround Elysian Fields that add to its feeling of depravity and gloom. Do you think that a change of setting would have changed the story? Why or why not? How does the setting affect each of the four main characters?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 661 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample