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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. Beatrice's story begins with the following exclamation:
(a) " Radium! Chloroform! Urani ... um!"
(b) "Horses! Rats! Rab ... bits!"
(c) "Marigolds! Sunflowers! Chrysanthe ... mums!"
(d) "Apples! Pears! Cu ... cumbers!"

2. Nanny is best described as:
(a) Athletic.
(b) Glamorous.
(c) Frail.
(d) Bossy.

3. What is the "beautiful word" that Tillie speaks of in her opening monologue?
(a) Rabbit.
(b) Cobalt.
(c) Atom.
(d) Marigold.

4. When Beatrice recalls her childhood to Ruth, she says ...
(a) "I spent all of my time with my mother."
(b) "I hated my father."
(c) "I had more nerve than a bear."
(d) I was a shy as a church mouse."

5. What substance does Nanny spill?
(a) Whiskey.
(b) Plant food.
(c) Nail polish remover.
(d) Hot water.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who says that Tillie and Ruth are misfits?

2. What is the setting of the play in the opening act?

3. What beverage does Beatrice prepare for Nanny?

4. When Tillie makes her announcement at the beginning of the final scene in Act 1, what is Beatrice's response?

5. Beatrice calls Nanny the following:

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ruth react to Tillie's performance in the school Science Fair?

2. What does Beatrice discuss with Mr. Goodman during their phone conversation in the first scene of Act 1?

3. Why does Beatrice not tell the truth to her daughters about her experiences in high school?

4. Why does Tillie want Ruth to keep her knowledge about Beatrice being a high school outcast a secret from their mother?

5. Describe Beatrice's demeanor toward Tillie at the end of the final scene in Act 1.

6. Why do Tillie's classmates laugh at her at the science assembly at the beginning of Act 1?

7. Why do you think Zindel chose to switch back and forth between the science fair and Beatrice at home in Act 2?

8. Describe the relationship between Ruth and Beatrice.

9. Describe the setting of the play in Act 1.

10. How would you characterize Janice Vickery's presentation at the science fair? What does this scene do for the mood of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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