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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What characters the apartment and why did they leave?

2. What do Ed and Arnold declare?

3. Whom is Laurel calling?

4. What does Arnold say happened to Alan?

5. To what does Arnold compare the loss of Alan?

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 scene titled, "Fugue in a Nursery, Counter Subject," Arnold and Alan are resistant to joining Ed and Laurel in their "normal" Sunday routine. 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 how the term "Counter Subject" is used in musical compositions (particularly in the musical composition of a fugue) and how it is applicable to the action of this scene. Be sure to use specific examples and details.

2. Using the entire play as a source of material, outline Laurel's actions and manipulations, both implied and explicit, and discuss whether she has been successful and appropriate in her behavior.

3. Discuss the commonalities among all the main characters, (Arnold, Alan, Ed, and Laurel) as to their wants and needs as human beings in relationship. Can their needs/desires be universal to all humans? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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