View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Ruth want to do by herself shortly after she and Teddy arrive at the family home?

2. After addressing Lenny's concern about not being able to sleep, who does Teddy ask Lenny about?

3. What does Teddy suggest to Ruth after they have been home awhile?

4. What does Teddy reassure Ruth about?

5. How does Max taunt Joey?

Short Essay Questions

1. Max threatens violence toward his son Lenny at different points in the play; give one example.

2. Why does Lenny say he is angry at Ruth for calling him by his full name, Leonard?

3. Which characters, although not seen onstage, are mentioned frequently throughout the play, and how is each related to Max?

4. What does Lenny ask his father about the night he was conceived?

5. What story Lenny tells Ruth after he has asked to hold her hand?

6. What is the relationship between Max and Rose and what two other characters have the same relationship?

7. Throughout the play, Max verbally abuses his son Joey; give an example of this verbal abuse.

8. What evidence do we have that Max dominates his brother Sam, as well as his own sons?

9. During the argument over the glass of water, what does Ruth dare Lenny to do?

10. "The Homecoming" takes place in an old London house where four men live. Who are these men and how are they related to each other?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Ruth and Jessie, particularly in respect to Max's varying attitude toward each woman.

Essay Topic 2

In your opinion, is the ending of the play a.) satisfactory and b.) plausible? Explain by giving specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Teddy wants his family's respect, however, he fails to stand up for himself as a husband. What explanation can be given for the way he simply stands by and lets Ruth be convinced to stay with his family? What, if anything, does Teddy do to try to get Ruth to leave with him? What does this say about Teddy and Ruth's relationship? What does it say about their character?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 574 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample