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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 visits Arnold backstage after Arnold's performance?

2. Who calls Arnold?

3. What style is the dialogue in this scene?

4. What happens when Arnold bends over to set a beer can down?

5. Where is Arnold at the opening of this scene?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does this act end?

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

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

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

5. Define the term "fugue," and how it is applicable in this scene.

6. What do Arnold and Alan decide about their relationship?

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

8. Describe Ed's thoughts about the weekend so far.

9. Give a brief description of the opening to this scene.

10. What happens when Arnold gets Ed on the phone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the second "Fugue in a Nursery, Stretto," Ed seduces Alan in the barn despite being in a supposedly monogamous relationship with Laurel. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Why do you think Ed is so attracted to Alan?

2. Do you think Ed is actually gay and cannot resist being with men? Explain.

3. Do you think what Ed does is immoral? If yes, for what reasons? If no, why not?

4. Is it possible that Ed is bisexual? If so, how do you think he can resolve wanting to be with both men and women? Is a monogamous relationship possible for a bisexual individual?

Essay Topic 2

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. Discuss the similarities and differences of the themes among the three plays.

2. Write a possible scene that takes place a year later.

3. Choose one character and follow his/her development and growth (or lack of growth).

Essay Topic 3

In "Fugue in a Nursery, Nursery: A Fugue," the action takes place in a huge bed in which Arnold, Alan, Laurel, and Ed all sit or recline depending on the action. The stage lights focus only on the characters that are speaking at the time, a staging element that eliminates the need for scenery. The characters stay in the bed even though they could be at completely different locations throughout the act. Discuss one of the following topics in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. How effective do you think this type of staging is?

2. If you were a director, how would you direct this type of staging?

3. Do you think this scene is staged this way solely to eliminate the need for scenery? What other reason might the author have for setting the stage this way?

4. Do you think an author should give any, many, or all the stage directions for a play s/he writes? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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