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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. How is the second hand of the second game won in Act 1, Scene 2?

2. What does Weller refer to as "dumb Gin"?

3. Weller cheats in the first hand by doing what?

4. In Act 1, Scene 2, Weller explains how he started enjoying playing gin earlier in life. What context did he play in?

5. What is the name of Fonsia's youngest grandchild?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is it that you think is bothering Fonsia in Act 1, Scene 1?

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

4. 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?

5. How does Fonsia win the last hand of Act 1, Scene 1, and what might this foreshadow?

6. In what way, according to Weller, does the Home promote theft of its residents by the staff?

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

8. What about the Presbyterian home threatens both characters?

9. What is knocking?

10. What does the moment of faintness that Fonsia suffers in Act 1, Scene 2 reveal about the two characters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fonsia relates her phobia of misspelling words when she was an apartment manager. What does this story say about her, and is there any truth to Weller's criticism of her for holding this fear?

Essay Topic 2

Why is Weller so driven to play cards? Why is winning against Fonsia so important for him?

Essay Topic 3

How are the two characters hypocritical in the play? What does this reveal about them?

(see the answer keys)

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