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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does the couple act?
(a) Tired.
(b) Annoyed.
(c) Tenderly romantic.
(d) Argumentative.

2. What do the family members think of Tony?
(a) They are unsure if he is right for Alice.
(b) They do not like him.
(c) They do not trust him.
(d) They are very accepting of him.

3. What occurs in the basement?
(a) A flood.
(b) An earthquake.
(c) An explosion.
(d) A celebration.

4. What is unusual about the apartment?
(a) It is quiet.
(b) Everyone is in the same room.
(c) There are unusual noises throughout the apartment.
(d) The windows are boarded up.

5. Where does Alice go to get ready for her date?
(a) In her own home.
(b) Upstairs.
(c) In the basement.
(d) In the office.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Alice feel about her family?

2. Why does Alice assume Tony will not be able to accept her family?

3. Why does Alice relent?

4. What is the purpose of the cluttered and chaotic living room of Grandpa Vanderhof?

5. What scenario mirrors the challenges of the American family endured during the dire economic times of the Depression?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the doorbell rings? How does this add to the comedic feeling of the play?

2. Who is Ed Carmichael? Why are he and Essie a perfect match?

3. About what is "You Can't Take It With You?"

4. What does Grandpa do right before dinner? Why does he say this? What might this foreshadow?

5. Describe Grandpa Vanderhof. From where is he returning? What does he enjoy about this activity?

6. Describe the dinner. How does this begin to heal the wounds of the night before?

7. What does the doorbell announce? What might the audience members be thinking, before it is discovered who has rung the doorbell?

8. Describe Rheba and her actions in this scene. Why do the playwrights say she is African American? Could someone who is not African American play this role?

9. How is Tony beginning to act more like the Sycamore family? Why?

10. How does the second act open? What new character does the audience meet? How does she add to the comedic aspect of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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