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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 financial question does Norman ask Bill?

2. What does Norman suggest Billy do about his walk?

3. With what does Ethel replace the food Billy has in his hand?

4. What does Bill say he saw when he comes into the house?

5. Who is with Chelsea?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the first interaction between Ethel and Chelsea when they are alone.

2. What can be inferred by the fact that Norman calls Billy by the name Chelsea from time to time?

3. Describe the opening scene in Act 2, Scene 1.

4. What theme is illustrated by what Ethel does right after Norman and Billy leave?

5. Give a brief synopsis of the conversation Chelsea and Ethel have about Norman as Chelsea just arrives.

6. What regret does Norman express and what may that regret foreshadow?

7. The scene when Billy Ray is introduced gives subtle clues as to how Norman may not be quite as gruff as first appears and how Chelsea misses the clue. Elaborate on this scene.

8. How does the interaction between Norman and Billy Ray in this introductory scene demonstrate the probability that their relationship will be different from the one that Chelsea experienced with her father when she was young?

9. Describe the two fishermen's interaction as they leave for the dock.

10. Describe Ethel's concern and role in that day's fishing venture.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 1, Scene 2, throughout the entire discussion about Chelsea, Norman is attempting to discuss baseball with Charlie who seems more interested in Chelsea. Choose one of the following to write a coherent essay with detailed examples:

1). Compare and contrast Ethel's willingness to discuss and reveal feelings versus Norman's reluctance to do so. Is the difference between them a general difference between men and women?

2). Compare and contrast Charlie and Norman's personalities. How similar do you think Charlie and Norman would be as fathers?

3). Write about the three times Norman attempts to discuss baseball when others are trying to have more significant conversations with him. The three persons are first Charlie, then Bill and finally Chelsea.

Essay Topic 2

One of the very first things the reader becomes aware of is that a probable theme of this play is the idea of aging and its inherent problems. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1.) Who is most obviously failing, probably as a result of age?

2.) What is the main problem Norman is having at the opening of the play?

3.) How common is memory problems among people in their late 70s and older?

4.) Are there ways to combat memory problems? What are they?

Essay Topic 3

In Act 1, Scene 3, young Billy Ray is introduced and hits if off immediately with Norman, who has a somewhat strained relationship with his own daughter, Chelsea. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). Why do you think Norman seems more relaxed and open to Billy Ray versus Chelsea?

2). Do you think Norman would have preferred a son rather than a daughter? Why?

3). Do you think most couples hope for a son as first born or at least having a son to carry on the family name?

4). How do you think the natural inclination for many couples to want at least one son has on the psychological health of daughters?

(see the answer keys)

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