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

Short Answer Questions

1. What happened in the children's session that Sandra was put in charge of in grad school?

2. Murray starts walking towards the door and says he wants to congratulate whom?

3. Where does Nick enter from in Act 2, Part 3?

4. Who thinks they are a big phony?

5. Nick brings a bowl of what into the room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The play takes place in Manhattan around the 1950s and 1960s. What elements does Herb Gardner add to the play to make you believe that you are looking in on someone living in Manhattan? Discuss ways that Gardner makes this believable. Discuss other people, places, or objects that are and could be included in the play that fit right in with the time period and place.

Essay Topic 2

Do you think the conflict that Murray has to overcome during the play is mostly internal or external? Describe Murray's conflicts throughout the play. How does Murray try to overcome these conflicts? Does Murray solve his conflicts? If so, how? What objects, people, or ideas cause Murray the most conflict? How does Murray deal with these struggles? Do you think he handles them well? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Herb Gardner does a fine job of developing the character of Murray Burns. Describe in detail the characterization of Murray Burns from the start of the play to the end of the play. Make sure to include details about Murray's physical characteristics, his actions, his reactions, and even perhaps what his thoughts may be. Include specific examples from the play.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 298 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample