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. According to Max, what made Sam a bad son?

2. What is Sam doing in the kitchen during Max's and Joey's discussion about going out together?

3. In his long speech, what does Teddy say about his family's intelligence level?

4. To whom does Max compare Sam?

5. What is Ruth's response when Teddy asks her to go home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What argument do Max and Joey have at the beginning of the Act 1, Scene 3?

2. What comparison does Ruth make when referring to the relationship between words and actions?

3. Why does Max hit Joey?

4. What kind of response does Teddy make to his brothers' caressing Ruth?

5. What kinds of demands does Ruth make on the brothers?

6. What did Ruth say she did for a living before she was married?

7. What violent action does Max take against Sam?

8. According to Max, what did his father ask him to do when he was dying?

9. What is Ruth's response to Teddy's urging her to pack up and go home with him?

10. What does Joey do in his uncle's defense when Max criticizes Sam?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the occupations of Max, Sam, Teddy, and Joey. Explain why the playwright might have chosen those particular occupations.

Essay Topic 2

Max shows disappointment with his sons. Discuss how Max demonstrates this disappointment, giving specific examples for Lenny, Joey, and Teddy. For what reasons do you think that Max is so clearly disappointed with each of his sons? Comment on whether you think his disappointment in any of his sons is warranted and explain why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

When Ruth first arrives at the family home, she is nearly silent. By the end of the play, she has become the dominant figure. In what specific ways has Ruth changed and what specific reasons do you think account for her change?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 503 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample