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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 old is Norman's wife?

2. What is the best description of the living room?

3. How many acts does this play have?

4. What is Norman concerned about in going to the neighbors' house for dinner?

5. What happens to the package in question #27?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who visits Norman and Ethel and what do they leave there?

2. How does the broken screen door come into play again and how does it give the reader a better understanding of Norman's character?

3. What other elderly couple is mentioned in this scene and what does Ethel say about them?

4. Who is Charlie and what is a little about his life and/or history?

5. What makes the reader think that Charlie still feels some interest in Chelsea?

6. What is both a foreshadowing and a "frame" for the play that occurs at the end of this scene?

7. Briefly describe Norman Thayer, the first character on the set.

8. Who is the elderly couple in the play and where are they arriving at the opening of the play?

9. Another bit of conversation at the end of this scene is indicative of a recurrent theme of this play. Describe the conversation and briefly say what the theme is you think it is bringing up.

10. What does Charlie suggest about the broken screen door; what is Ethel's reply and why do you think she responds the way she does?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a play, setting is an integral part of the entire story. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Describe the setting at the opening of the play.

2). How do you think the setting contributes to the play?

3). What clues does the setting offer about the characters?

4). What would you think about the owners of a house if you walked into such a setting?

Essay Topic 2

The last scene in the play is one that is bittersweet in that it is obvious that Norman will die in the not-too-distant future, and yet at the same time, the fact that he finally overcomes his inhibitions and dances with Ethel is a thing of hope--hope that an "old geezer" like Norman can change. Choose one of the following questions and write a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Discuss the theme of death that runs throughout the play, using specific examples.

2). Discuss the theme of redemption for at least two of the main characters; be sure to include specific examples.

3). Discuss the theme of romance and how it can be demonstrated as shown throughout the play.

Essay Topic 3

The first character the reader meets is Norman Thayer. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Describe Norman physical characteristics.

2). How does the way he is dressed and his actions help portray who he is as a personality?

3). Just from reading about him in Act 1, Scene 1, what would you think are some of his personality traits? Give specific examples for each trait you mention.

(see the answer keys)

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