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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Fonsia wins the first gin game by doing what?
(a) By calling gin and leaving the hand open, and having nothing to discard.
(b) By trapping Weller with high cards and knocking.
(c) By picking up Weller's discarded Jack and calling gin.
(d) By being dealt the perfect hand and calling gin immediately.

2. What does Weller blame his relationship with his children on?
(a) His work ethic.
(b) His parents.
(c) The court system.
(d) His second wife.

3. How was Fonsia raised?
(a) As a 'stoic Presbyterian.'
(b) As an 'old time Methodist.'
(c) As an Orthodox Jew.
(d) As a Southern Baptist.

4. What does Weller think drives the management of the Home to provide entertainment?
(a) That without entertainment the tenants would 'find some other dive to die in.'
(b) That without entertainment the tenants would 'drop dead... en masse.'
(c) That without entertainment the tenants would 'turn them in for their cooking.'
(d) That without entertainment the tenants would 'revolt.'

5. At the start of the first hand in Act 1, Scene 2, Fonsia claims gin has what effect on her?
(a) A motivating effect.
(b) A stressful effect.
(c) A relaxing effect.
(d) An assuring effect.

Short Answer Questions

1. Fonsia has how many siblings?

2. What best describes the relationship between Weller and his children?

3. What does Fonsia use the pillow for?

4. What does Weller decide to call Fonsia?

5. How old is Fonsia's son?

Short Essay Questions

1. What new and combative aspect in the interaction between the two characters takes place upon Fonsia winning the hand with Queens in Act 1, Scene 2?

2. What is the simple truth about old age homes - a truth not even wealth can correct, according to Weller? How might the two characters thwart this truth?

3. What 'admiral... minor virtues' did Fonsia's father personify, and how do you think they might contrast with Weller's character?

4. In Act 1, Scene 1, what conditions find the two characters at the home?

5. What does Fonsia's childhood suggest about her character?

6. In Act 1, Scene 2, Weller states that "half of them are catatonic... and... the ones who do talk make you appreciate the ones who don't." Who is the quote in regards to, and what is it about the talking that bothers both characters?

7. What is knocking?

8. At the beginning of Act 1, Scene 2, Weller's actions contrast his earlier behavior and his current dress. How so, and what does this suggest about him?

9. According to Weller, what does he believe drives the staff's constant need to entertain the residents of the home?

10. Why might Fonsia have thought that 'this day' was going to be particularly bad in Act 1, Scene 1?

(see the answer keys)

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