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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Ruth concerned about before Tillie goes on stage?

2. What does Ruth feed Peter?

3. According to Ruth, who is waiting to see Beatrice at the science fair?

4. Tillie reveals that she had help purchasing some of the necessary items for her experiment. Who helped her pay for them?

5. What does Ruth say she would not be caught dead wearing on stage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Zindel's play still relevant to today's reader? Why or why not? Would Beatrice's circumstances be any different in today's world? If the play were set in present time, would it be as plausible that Beatrice is so limited in her options? Would Tillie's interest in science make her a social outcast today? Why or why not? Today, would others (school officials, state agencies) be more likely to intervene on behalf of Tillie and Ruth, and to protect them from Beatrice? In what other ways is the play "dated"? Are there any aspects of the story or characters that seem to be specific to the time period in which the play was written?

Essay Topic 2

In what way do dreams influence and inform the characters in Zindel's play?

a) Discuss Ruth's nightmare about Mr. Mayo. What kind of impact does this nightmare have on Ruth?

b) Discuss Beatrice's nightmare about riding the horse wagon into a silent neighborhood. Why does this dream frighten Beatrice?

c) Discuss the theme of shattered dreams in the play. Which character or characters has dreams that are never attained? What effect does this have on this character?

d) Which character or characters have given up on their dreams? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 430 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample