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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 does Arnold plan to bring with him?

2. What is the backroom of a gay bar?

3. What does Murray want Arnold to do?

4. Where is the person with whom Arnold converses?

5. What does Arnold prefer at the moment?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe a little about Alan and also the relationship between Alan and Arnold.

2. How does Arthur's monologue reflect an underlying optimism or hope?

3. Why are Arnold and Laurel in the kitchen together?

4. Describe how Laurel is feeling. Do you think she has the right to feel this way?

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

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

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

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

9. What is the major topic of conversation in this scene?

10. What does Arnold reveal in his one-sided dialogue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. The title of this scene is "Fugue in a Nursery, Codetta." Define the word "codetta" as it applies to music.

2. How do you think a codetta applies to this scene?

3. What do you think the dominant theme of this scene is? Does this relate to the idea of a codetta?

4. If you were a musician, what type of music would you use in this scene (jazz, classical, rock, heavy metal, rap, etc...) Why?

(see the answer keys)

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