View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How much time has passed since the last scene?

2. How does Laurel say she met Ed?

3. What does Laurel try to hide?

4. One is the main action in this scene?

5. Where is Laurel visiting Arnold?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The International Stud: Scene 3," Arnold finally contacts Ed, who admits he is dating a woman. It seems likely from the conversation between Arnold and Ed that Ed is very aware of family and societal pressures to be "normal." 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. In what ways does the culture in which you live define normalcy as heterosexuality? Use examples from movies, t.v., school, church, and other cultural institutions. Discuss the ramifications of bucking cultural pressure and living life as a homosexual.

2. How does one's family of origin help shape one's perceptions of what is normal? What sort of overt, covert, and unconscious pressure is placed on one to conform to one's family's definition of normal? What are some behaviors and beliefs that are considered normal? Give examples both from the play, Torch Song Triology and your own life.

3. Discuss three famous people who have chosen to live apart from what is considered normal: not necessarily as homosexuals, but in any way that society might label as different or not normal. Do you admire these people's choices? Do they violate any moral laws according to how you have been raised. Could you see your self making a similar choice? Include, if you are comfortable in doing so, ways that you have chosen to be or do what is considered not normal.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

In "Fugue in a Nursery: Prologue," it is obvious that Laurel and Ed end up together. Discuss one of the following topics in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Compare and contrast the way a heterosexual versus a homosexual relationship might be different in the day to day living of it.

2. Discuss how the lack of legal rights may help or hinder a gay relationship. Should homosexual relationships enjoy the benefits of legality? Why or why not.

3. Compare and contrast the attitude towards homosexuals in the early sixties with the attitudes in the first decade of the 21st century.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 609 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample