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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. What reason does Sam give for believing that he is the best at his job?

2. What occupation does Lenny tell Ruth he's always imagined for himself?

3. Aside from Teddy's education, why does Lenny say he envies Teddy?

4. In what sport does Joey participate?

5. When Lenny comes downstairs, what reason does he give for not being able to sleep?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Lenny says he envies Teddy for what reasons?

3. What does Max mean when he uses the phrase "one flow of stinking pus after another?"

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

5. The first time Lenny is alone with Ruth, what kinds of personal information does he share with her?

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

7. When Max comes downstairs complaining of noise, what kind of an explanation does Lenny give?

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

9. Describe Max's attitude toward his brother Sam.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the impact of the character of MacGregor who, although never actually appearing in the play, has a profound influence on the family.

(see the answer keys)

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