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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 happens to the rental car on the way to the cottage?

2. How does Norman react to Chelsea's news?

3. What does Norman call Billy from time to time?

4. Who goes down to the lake?

5. What does Norman say about dancing when that topic arises?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Ethel do after Norman and Billy leave?

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

3. What does this opening scene suggest about the relationship between Norman and Billy?

4. One of the statements Bill makes to Norman about Norman's teasing suggests that Chelsea has already prejudiced Bill towards Norman. Describe the scene and say if you think it was fair or wise of Chelsea to "warn" Bill.

5. How, at this point in the play, is Billy's relationship with Norman different from that of Chelsea with her father, Norman?

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

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

8. How does the way Ethel behaves in helping Norman and Billy get off to the lake demonstrate an aspect of her personality?

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

10. How does the first interaction between Chelsea and her parents show the reader the relationship between Chelsea and each of her parents?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Near the end of Act 1, Scene 3, the conversation turns to dancing and Norman expresses regret that he has never taken Ethel dancing. Answer the following questions in a coherent essay using detailed examples from the entire play:

1). What else do you think Norman regrets in his life? Support your ideas with details from the text.

2). Do you think Ethel has any regrets? What would those be? Support your ideas with details from the text.

3). It seems clear that Chelsea has regrets, as she names a couple of them. What are they?

4). Is there any good to be had by holding regrets? What can a person do to let go of regrets?

Essay Topic 2

In Act 2, Scene 1, Norman and Billy are sneaking out of the house, acting like old buddies, to go fishing. Choose one of the following to write a coherent essay with detailed examples:

1). Describe the metamorphosis of Billy and Norman's relationship. Fill in the blanks where information is not provided.

2). Discuss why you think Norman adopts some of Billy's style of talk and habits and Billy adopts some of Norman's ideas. Include what those ideas and habits are.

3). Discuss how people tend to treat their grandchildren differently from their children. Give examples from your life or other books/movies you have seen. Why do you think this happens?

Essay Topic 3

In the opening to Act 1, Scene 3, Norman comments to Ethel that Chelsea is now past her childbearing years and never had a child. Choose one of the following to write a coherent essay with detailed examples:

1). For many centuries, women were considered property, or at the very least, someone to produce a male heir for the family line. Write an essay briefing describing the change in status of women in your home country over the past three centuries.

2). Is woman's most important function that of producing children? Write an essay about how women who have chosen to remain childless are viewed in your culture; give specific examples. Give your personal opinion also.

3). Along with the idea of childbearing is the controversy of the right to choose an abortion. Write an essay taking a stance using detailed examples to support your stance.

(see the answer keys)

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