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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. What is probably the predominant emotion Arthur displays in this scene?

2. What is the relationship between Ed and Arnold?

3. When does Laurel want Arnold to visit?

4. Whose perspective is revealed in the conversation?

5. Who delivers a monologue?

Short Essay Questions

1. What potential conflicts could ensue by the coming together of Arnold, Ed, and Alan?

2. How does the conversation end?

3. What is happening from another part of the stage and how does it tie in with Arthur?

4. What is a side effect of the weekend visit of Alan and Arnold to Ed and Laurel's?

5. When and why is Laurel visiting Arnold?

6. What is Arthur going to do onstage?

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

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

9. When scene 3 opens, who is on the stage and what is he doing?

10. What is the purpose of Laurel's phone call to Ed. What do you think are her motives?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

In "The International Stud: Scene 2," the scene opens with Lady Blues completing a song. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. What do you think is the purpose of Lady Blues' character?

2. Some interpretations suggest she serves as a sort of "Greek Chorus." Research the role of a Greek Chorus and explain it and then give your idea as to how Lady Blues might be a sort of Greek Chorus?

3. What sort of mood do her songs establish? Do they foreshadow the mood of the following action?

4. Do you believe Lady Blues adds to the entire work or just distracts from the main action? Explain your rationale.

Essay Topic 3

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).

(see the answer keys)

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