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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens to Tillie's pet in Act 2?

2. There is a last-minute change in plans before the science fair. What happens?

3. Janice Vickery states that her experiment is an accomplishment that will what?

4. Which chemical was involved in Janice Vickery's experiment?

5. Which character makes this statement: "Someday I'm going to write a book and blast that school to pieces."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 398 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample