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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. Why was Echo happy to hear the word "eleemosynary" at the spelling bee?

2. What is Echo's frame of mind as she spells her words?

3. After all her name-changes and moves, what was Artie finally ready to to?

4. In scene 4, what does Dorothea say to Artie when Artie calls to tell her where she has been?

5. What is Dorothea's relationship with her son-in-law?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think that Echo put on the wings in the beginning of scene 5?

2. How is Artie's choice of seat at the Spelling Bee a metaphor for her life?

3. Why do you think the author chose the book "Robinson Crusoe" to mention as being connected to Artie?

4. What evidence is there in scene 5 that Echo is intrigued by her mother and wants to get to know her?

5. Why do you think Artie left her daughter with Dorothea, despite her own traumatic childhood with her mother?

6. Why does Artie suggest to Echo to practice for the National Spelling Bee?

7. What happens to Artie when her mother reappears in her life?

8. Why are Artie and Echo arguing over Dorothea as scene 4 opens?

9. Why did Dorothea change her granddaughter's name to Echo?

10. What do all of the "educational stops " which the Westbrook women made have in common?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Dorothea's reaction to Artie searching for her lock of hair. Why is this so important to Dorothea, and is Dorothea reasonable in her reaction to Artie's search?

Essay Topic 2

Artie's father is mentioned briefly in the play. Discuss how Artie's father influenced the women in the play, despite his seemingly small role.

Essay Topic 3

Echo never really has a chance to reunite her mother and grandmother. Discuss why she believes she can, and how she plans it.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 730 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample