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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who calls Beatrice at the end of Act 1?
(a) Dr. Berg, Beatrice's psychologist.
(b) Dr. Berg, Nanny's physician.
(c) Dr. Berg, the school principal.
(d) Dr. Berg, the school psychologist.

2. Why is Ruth upset at first when she sees the flashlight?
(a) It reminds her of the time when the family's electricity was shut off because Beatrice had not paid the bill.
(b) It reminds her of the time when she and Tillie told ghost stories during a camping trip.
(c) It reminds her of the time when she heard a man die in her home.
(d) It reminds her of the time when a rat was lurking under the staircase.

3. Why is Beatrice sad after she tells Ruth the story of her recurring nightmares?
(a) She fears that Nanny will pour a pot of boiling water on her head.
(b) She fears she will never get over her fear of rats.
(c) She fears that Tillie and Ruth will never forgive her.
(d) She fears that there is nothing left for her in life.

4. Why does Beatrice look for candles following the scream from upstairs?
(a) She wants to remove earwax from Nanny's ears.
(b) She wants to put them on the birthday cake she baked for Nanny.
(c) She wants to light the room with them, as the electricity has gone off.
(d) She wants to rid the air of the smell of marigolds.

5. Ruth has one of the following problems:
(a) She has frequent nightmares.
(b) She is unable to read.
(c) She has severe leg pain.
(d) She has an eating disorder.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Beatrice describe her daughter, Tillie?

2. What does Ruth see in the record room at school?

3. What is the "beautiful word" that Tillie speaks of in her opening monologue?

4. What is Beatrice wearing when she makes her entrance in Act 1?

5. Who is the first character introduced in the play?

(see the answer key)

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