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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. In what does Ephraim say you can read the years of his life?

2. In Scene 3 of Part 3 in Desire Under the Elms, Ephraim is asleep in his bedroom as Abbie confesses what to Eben?

3. Where is the Cabot farmhouse in Desire Under the Elms?

4. What is Evans' first name?

5. Eben's mother was Ephraim's _____ wife.

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Gordon feel about Darrell in Act 7 of Strange Interlude? How does he respond to Darrell's comments about Evans?

2. How does Darrell feel toward Evans in Act 5 of Strange Interlude? What does he plan to do at the end of the act?

3. Describe the thematic elements which are shared by Desire Under the Elms and the other plays in the collection.

4. What happens in the falling action and resolution of Desire Under the Elms?

5. What does Ephraim say to Eben in Part 3 of Desire Under the Elms that causes Eben to lash out at Abbie?

6. Describe the symbolism of the fence on the Cabot farm in Desire Under the Elms.

7. The morning after their "tryst," how do Abbie and Eben feel in Desire Under the Elms? How does Ephraim feel?

8. How does Eben's position in the household contribute to his conflicts over the estate in Desire Under the Elms?

9. Why does Nina say she's going away in Act 1 of Strange Interlude?

10. What does Darrell tell Marsden about Nina's behavior at the hospital in Strange Interlude?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the use of symbolism and motif in Desire Under the Elms. What predominant motifs are described in the text? What themes do these symbolic images illuminate?

Essay Topic 2

Compare the characters of Ephraim and Eben in Desire Under the Elms. How are these men alike? How are they different? What actions does each commit through the play?

Essay Topic 3

Compare the character of Nina from Strange Interlude to that of Abbie in Desire Under the Elms. How are these women similar? How are they different? Discuss their objectives and actions.

(see the answer keys)

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