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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. At the close of Act 2, Scene 2, what do the sisters say they look forward to talking about in the future over tea?

2. After the confrontations in Act 2, Scene 1, which sister of the Sisters Rosensweig seems to be the most honest about their lives?

3. What does Sara say she wants to do with Geoffrey as the two of them discuss their relationship at the opening of Act 2, Scene 1?

4. What do Tess and Tom reveal during Act 2, Scene 1?

5. The morning after the party, how did Pfeni say she spent the night?

Short Essay Questions

1. What might the tea kettle Nick gifts to Sara represent?

2. Describe Geoffrey's beliefs about his and Pfeni's work as artists.

3. What sort of emotions does Pfeni seem to exhibit about her work?

4. What is Sara's response to Merv's compliments in Act 2, Scene 1?

5. What is represented by the Yiddish recording Sara plays?

6. How does Merv compare Sara to pre-war Jewish women?

7. Which sister seems to be the most truthful in Act 2, Scene 1 and why?

8. Who do the three sisters toast and why?

9. How is Pfeni closer to her true self after Act 2, Scene 2?

10. Describe Pfeni and Geoffrey's relationship in Act 2, Scene 1.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is each sister's relationship to the past? Do they embrace it, reject it? Does that change during the course of the play? Examine each sister in turn and her relationship to her own past.

Essay Topic 2

Wendy Wasserstein was considered a feminist writer. How are themes of feminism woven throughout this play? Use specific characters and events during the course of the play to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

Though the play is not a musical, music plays a part. The play opens with the girls' choir, and it closes with a mother and daughter singing. Music is a big part of Geoffrey's life, and listening to records is part of Merv and Sara's courtship. Song and dance is performed more than once in the play. Discuss the role of music in the play and what it represents in various scenes and to various characters.

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