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

Short Answer Questions

1. What happened to Nettie's face after the incident with the boy?

2. What does Nettie say to Timmy as she leaves in Act 2, Scene 1?

3. What is peculiar to Timmy?

4. How does Nettie reach for her purse at the end of the first scene in Act 2?

5. What does Nettie criticize constantly, according to Timmy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 2, Scene 1, John takes out his frustrations on his family.

1) Describe John's behavior at breakfast, detailing his interaction with the other characters.

2) Explain what the source is for John's behavior and why it is relevant to the theme of the play.

3) Explain whether you agree with John's actions, including the reasons why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The play ends with John making a surprising decision about Timmy staying or leaving. Describe what John has gone through during the entire play and why he chooses for Timmy to go. What does that illustrate for the family in general? How are each member of the family different as a result of the events in the play? Which characters have changed the most or least? What do you think is likely to happen to Timmy? How might his life be different? How did Nettie respond to the ending? What does that indicate a possible future is for her and her marriage?

(see the answer keys)

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