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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. According to Beatrice, the " manure machine" is what kind of animal?

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

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

4. Tillie makes the following announcement at the beginning of the final scene in Act 1:

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the one thing that Beatrice demands from Ruth, and why?

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

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

4. Compare Ruth's attitude toward Tillie at the beginning of Act 1 to the end of Act 1.

5. What is the cause of Ruth's emotional episode during the thunderstorm?

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

7. Why do you think Tillie's appearance at the science fair is so important to Ruth?

8. What do Beatrice and Ruth argue about prior to the science fair?

9. Why does Beatrice decide not to attend the science fair?

10. What does Tillie's monologue in the first scene of Act 1 reveal about the girl?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Beatrice a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

a) What is the root cause of Beatrice's bitterness and caustic behavior?

b) Does Beatrice demonstrate signs of mental illness? How might this explain her abusiveness toward her daughters?

c) Is Beatrice more of a danger to herself (self-destructive) than she is to others? Why or why not?

c) In what ways do Beatrice's insecurities impact her daughters?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the concept of triumph in the face of adversity in Zindel's play.

a) Which character overcomes adversity? In what way is this achieved?

b) Give examples of some of the obstacles that this character faces throughout the course of the play.

c) What can be attributed to this character's ability to overcome adversity? How does this person cope and ultimately prevail despite difficult circumstances?

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."

(see the answer keys)

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