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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. What type of beverage is Beatrice drinking when the final scene in Act 1 begins?

2. How does Beatrice describe her daughter, Tillie?

3. Who calls Beatrice at the end of Act 1?

4. What is one of the "exciting duties" that Beatrice says she would like Tillie to perform?

5. What beverage does Beatrice prepare for Nanny?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Beatrice receives a call from Dr. Berg, what is her response?

2. What is Beatrice's opinion of Nanny's daughter? Why do you think she has such strong feelings about her?

3. What does Miss Hanley think of Beatrice?

4. Describe Beatrice's feelings toward Tillie's pet.

5. What excuse does Beatrice give to Mr. Goodman for keeping Tillie home from school?

6. During Beatrice's second phone conversation with Mr. Goodman, what concerns does she express about Tillie's science project?

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

8. What is the business scheme that Beatrice is preoccupied with in Act 2? According to Beatrice, what role will her daughters play?

9. Is Beatrice looking forward to attending the science fair at the opening of Act 2?

10. Why does Beatrice refuse to allow Tillie to call the doctor when Ruth falls into a seizure?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of life and death in Zindel's play.

a) Analyze the characters, the setting, and the story to uncover the ways in which death figures prominently in the play. What impact does death have on the characters?

b) What thing or person represents life in the play?

c) In the end, does life or death prevail in this drama?

Essay Topic 2

There are several symbols in Zindel's play. Explore one symbol and discuss how it relates to a theme or motif in the play.

a) Identify the symbol.

b) What does this symbol represent?

c) Explain how the symbol helps the reader better understand the drama.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Tillie's monologues in Zindel's play.

a) Compare and contrast Tillie's demeanor in her monologues with her demeanor in the context of her dialogue with Beatrice and Ruth.

b) What insights do Tillie's monologues provide the reader as to her inner world and motivations?

c) In what way do Tillie's monologues relate to the play's overall themes?

(see the answer keys)

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