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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. Who is the protagonist's husband in Next to Normal?

2. What refers to anything, as an act or event, that serves as a stimulus and initiates or precipitates a reaction or series of reactions?

3. What psychiatric term refers to an experience that produces psychological injury or pain?

4. What song does Diana sing about her longing for feeling in Act 1, Scene 4?

5. Who played the character of Henry in the original Broadway cast of Next to Normal?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the symbolic and metaphoric elements in Act 1, Scenes 10 and 11. What object becomes important in these scenes and why?

2. What new doctor does Diana see in Act 1, Scene 8? What is revealed about her medical history?

3. How is the theme of hope and light symbolized in Act 1, Scenes 10 and 11?

4. What is sung about and by whom in the songs "Who's Crazy" / "My Psychopharmacologist and I"?

5. What songs are sung by the doctor and Gabe in Act 1, Scene 9? What do they describe?

6. What is revealed about the character of Gabe in Act 1, Scenes 4 and 5?

7. What does Diana reveal to Dan in Act 1, Scene 6? What song does she sing in this scene?

8. What structurally takes place in Act 1, Scenes 10 and 11? What film is references in these scenes?

9. What is symbolized in Gabe's comment "I own you," in Act 1, Scene 8? What is revealed in this scene regarding his character?

10. What irony can be seen by the reader or audience member in the character of Gabe?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the characters of Dan and Dr. Fine in the musical. What is the objective of each of these characters and how do they go about attaining those objectives?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of sibling rivalry in the narrative. How is this theme manifested in the relationship between Gabe and Natalie?

Essay Topic 3

Define the element of conflict in dramatic literature and discuss the conflicts between the characters in the play. What central conflict exists between Diana and Dan?

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