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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. Whom does Ed resent?

2. What reveals Arnold's remaining hurt over the end of the relationship?

3. With whom is Arnold talking?

4. What is the relationship between Ed and Arnold?

5. What does Murray look like?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain why Laurel invited Arnold for the weekend and whether her plan is successful.

2. Who is the main character present at the opening of this scene and what is the setting?

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

4. Why do you think Ed Reiss insists that he dates women as well as men?

5. Describe the opening to this scene.

6. What hurts Arnold's feelings and why do you think Ed does the action that hurts Arnold?

7. What happens when Arnold joins Ed and David on the park bench?

8. What are two examples of how Arnold rationalizes his behavior?

9. Why does Ed think Laurel is attracted to gay men?

10. What is Mrs. Beckoff's response to news of the impending adoption of David?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "Fugue in a Nursery, Coda," several things are revealed: Laurel leaves Ed; Ed justifies sex with Alan, and Alan and Arnold commit to a permanent relationship. Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Trace the development and the ups and downs of Arnold and Ed's relationship. Evaluate the various phases of their relationship and give your opinions and evaluation of the relationship.

2. The men seem to think of the sexual liaison between Alan and Arnold as basic human frailties, while Laurel seems to view it as a serious hindrance to Ed and her relationship. Discuss the stereotyped differences between men and women's attitudes toward sex, monogamy and intimacy; then comment about whether you think these stereotypes are more or less accurate in reality.

3. Alan and Arnold seem to work out their relationship (at least for now) despite Alan's infidelity; whereas, Ed and Laurel are having a rougher time getting past Ed's infidelity. In evaluting both couples' relationships as revealed throughout the entire trilogy, discuss what are the signs and foreshadowing that the two couples would resolve the problem in the way that they did. Which couple do you think was the wiser? Healthier? Had a stronger desire to be together?

Essay Topic 2

In "Fugue in a Nursery, Subject," the author reveals the relevance of the title of this section of the trilogy in this scene by showcasing the style of a fugue in the dialog of the characters. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Define the term "fugue," as it applies to a musical composition.

2. Discuss how you think a fugue is relevant to how the action in this scene is carried out.

3. Do you think this style is effective for this scene?

4. Define the term "fugue," as it applies to a state of mind. Is this definition relevant to the action of the scene. Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

In "The International Stud: Scene 4," Arnold participates in anonymous sex with a stranger. Though it is not explicitly stated, it is likely given the time period in which this play is written that Arnold and the stranger did not practice "safe sex." Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Define the term "safe sex."

2. Considering that the AIDS epidemic had not yet surfaced, was it wise of Arnold to engage in sex with a stranger? Explain your rationale.

3. Do you believe it is important to learn about safe sex at school? Would the school or parents do a better job of explaining the essentials of Safe Sex?

4. Is school a proper place to gain sex education? Does your school require sex education? Explain your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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