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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. Who delivers a monologue?

2. What does Murray look like?

3. Who is Ed dating?

4. About what is Ed evasive?

5. What is Laurel's knowledge of the fact that Ed and Arnold were once lovers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What message is implied in Laurel's regret at not inviting Alan and Arnold to the wedding?

2. Describe the opening to this scene.

3. How are Arnold and Alan's conversation similar to that of Ed and Laurel?

4. When and why is Laurel visiting Arnold?

5. Give an example of the sexual liaison in the back room and how you interpret the example.

6. Why does Ed come to the theatre and what happens at the beginning of the conversation?

7. How is the conversation between Alan and Arnold stalled?

8. With whom is Ed speaking and what is the content of the conversation?

9. What in this scene indicates the differences between the two couples?

10. Where are Ed and Alan and what are they doing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The International Stud: Scene 5," Ed talks to Arnold after Arnold's performance. Arnold expresses his hurt that Ed was/is unwilling to introduce Arnold to his parents as Ed's lover. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Do you think Ed is being fair to Arnold? Why or why not?

2. What do you think you would do if you were Arnold in this scene?

3. Have you ever had a friend or romantic interest that you would be unwilling or hesitant to introduce to your parents? Did you do it anyway? Why or why not?

4. If Arnold were to go to a therapist or "peer counselor" and describe the situation with Ed, what do you think that person would tell Arnold? Would you tell Arnold the same thing?

Essay Topic 2

The second problem in "The International Stud: Scene 1," of which Arnold shares is the fact that he has gone through some betrayals. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. What is your definition of a betrayal?

2. Discuss a famous incident that you know of or that you research in which someone has betrayed someone else. What were the facts about the situation? Why do you think it occurred? Could the problem have been avoided?

3. Have you been betrayed by a family member or friend? Discuss as much of the situation as you are comfortable to do so and its resolution. Did your relationship change after the betrayal?

4. If you have not felt betrayed by someone in your life and cannot answer question three, discuss whether you have or would be willing to betray someone and for what reasons.

Essay Topic 3

In "Fugue in a Nursery, Subject," in a conversation between Ed and Laurel, Ed restates his jealousy of Alan and the resentment of Alan's presence in Arnold's life and at the house this weekend. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Do you think it is fair for Ed to feel jealous of Arnold having Alan when Ed left Arnold for Laurel? Explain your opinion.

2. There is a saying that "one cannot help how s/he feels." Give your response to this statement, using examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Do you think Arnold is jealous of Laurel? Why or why not?

4. Even if a person cannot help how s/he feels, the person can control how s/he acts upon those feelings. Do you believe this statement is true? Why or why not? Give specific details to support your statements.

(see the answer keys)

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