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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. As the final scene in Act 1 begins, what does Beatrice drop from the top of the stairs?

2. At the end of Act 1, Tillie reacts to Beatrice in what way?

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

4. Why is Beatrice sad after she tells Ruth the story of her recurring nightmares?

5. What kind of school project is Tillie working on in Act 1?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Beatrice's definition of a half-life.

3. What happens to Ruth after she learns of the rabbit's death?

4. When Beatrice and Tillie are arguing before the science fair, what does Beatrice claim as the reason she is looking forward to the event?

5. Is Beatrice content with her life?

6. Is Beatrice is a good mother?

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

8. What does Beatrice do to calm Ruth when she is hysterical?

9. Has Beatrice assisted Tillie with her project? If so, in what way?

10. Describe the relationship between Ruth and Beatrice.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the passage in which Beatrice calls herself the "original half-life." Does Beatrice have valid reasons for claiming this? What does this statement say about her attitude toward her daughters? How does this statement relate to the play's main themes? Can parallels be drawn between the true definition of a half-life and Beatrice's own life?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Zindel's play explores the theme of science and its impact on humankind. Discuss the ways in which Zindel presents this theme throughout the course of the play. Do you agree or disagree with Tillie's statement at the conclusion of her science fair presentation: "THE DAY WILL COME WHEN MANKIND WILL THANK GOD FOR THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL ENERGY FROM THE ATOM."

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