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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 John say to Nettie as the third scene is ending?

2. What type of apartment do the Clearys live in?

3. What room is John Cleary standing in as the play begins?

4. What are John and Timmy doing as they enter the apartment in Act 1, Scene 2?

5. Who is playing in the game Timmy asks his father to go to?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Nettie describe John's early business sense?

2. What is significant about the lake house and how does it apply to Nettie and John's marriage?

3. Why does John think that he and Nettie's marriage will improve, and how does Nettie comment on his theory?

4. What is it that John is doubting about himself and how does Timmy attempt to reassure him in Scene 2?

5. What does Timmy conclude at the end of Act 2, Scene 3, and what does it represent for his character?

6. What similar decision do both Timmy and John make in Act 2, Scene 1, and why do they make it?

7. What is John trying to convince Nettie to do as the final act begins?

8. How do Nettie and Timmy revisit their past at the end of Act 1, Scene 1?

9. What does John become upset about in Act 2, Scene 1, and how does Timmy respond?

10. What decision has Timmy made in regard to where he will live?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe John's attempts to get Timmy to stay in the beginning of the last scene. Include how they are indicative of his character and how both Timmy and Nettie respond to him. What does that say about their place in the story at this point? How did each one arrive there?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the way Nettie and John met and the reasons they were married. What was Nettie looking for? How did John appear to her? Did she understand that he would eventually disappoint her at the time? How has Nettie changed? Has John changed or remained the same? Why does their past represent some of the major reasons for their failing marriage?

Essay Topic 3

Nettie and John have a different approach to Timmy as he returns home. They are both contrasting and revealing at the same time. Explain in detail both parents' view of their son and his situation at the beginning of the play. Use specific examples from the play to describe how those views affect each character.

(see the answer keys)

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