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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 are onstage at the opening of this scene?

2. About what does Laurel seem particularly smug?

3. Of what could the bed setting be symbolic?

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

5. What does Arnold aver to Alan?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the interactions of the characters on stage at the opening of this act.

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

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

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

7. Why is Laurel mentioned in Ed's phone conversation with Arnold?

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

9. What is Arthur going to do onstage?

10. When and why is Laurel visiting Arnold?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "Fugue in a Nursery: Prologue," Laurel calls Arnold and invites him to come and visit her and Ed on the upcoming weekend. Arnold, with some hesitancy, accepts the invitation. 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 Arnold accepted Laurel's invitation?

2. If you were Arnold, would you have gone for the weekend? Would you have taken your current love interest or not? Why or why not?

3. Some people stay friends with past lovers and some never want to see them again. Which choice do you think is healthier? Explain.

4. If you were Arnold, would you have questions as to Laurel's motives for the invitation? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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