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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. Which of the following statements does Beatrice make about her father?

2. Which of the following animals appeared in a recurring nightmare that Beatrice used to have?

3. What is Beatrice wearing in her recurring nightmare?

4. Which statements does Beatrice NOT make about Tillie?

5. Why did Beatrice's father want her to get married?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Nanny's physical appearance.

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

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

5. Why is Beatrice angry at Tillie following the phone call she receives from Mr. Goodman at the beginning of Act 1?

6. What is the explanation that Ruth gives Mr. Goodman for her sister's absence from school?

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

8. Why is Beatrice offended during her second phone conversation with Mr. Goodman?

9. In what way does Beatrice pay Tillie a compliment prior to the science fair?

10. Why does Beatrice want Tillie to wear a bow in her hair?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the mother-daughter relationships in Zindel's play.

a) Is Beatrice a good mother? Why or why not?

b) Is Beatrice a traditional mother? Why or why not?

c) Does Beatrice express love for her daughters? If so, how?

d) Is Beatrice a role model to them? Why or why not?

e) How do Tillie and Ruth relate to Beatrice? Are they rebellious? Obedient?

f) Do Ruth and Tillie express love for Beatrice? If so, how?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the minor characters, Nanny and Janice Vickery, in Zindel's play.

a) How do Nanny and Janice Vickery function as sources of comic relief in the play?

b) In what way do Nanny and Janice Vickery further the plot in the play?

c) In what way do Nanny and Janice Vickery further the themes in the play?

d) Why does Zindel include these characters in the play?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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