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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 does Pfeni say about herself as a daughter during Act 2, Scene 1?

2. In Act 2, Scene 2, in a humorous story, what is revealed as Rita's advice for getting over a heartache?

3. When she knocks the item over, what does she do during Act 1, Scene 4?

4. What does Merv say about his feelings for his late wife during Act 1, Scene 4?

5. In Act 2, Scene 1, what does Sara say about the world Merv thinks they are both from?

Short Essay Questions

1. What truth does Gorgeous speak to Pfeni about Geoffrey?

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

3. How does the unseen character of Sonia fit into Act 1, Scene 4?

4. How is Sara closer to her true self after Act 2, Scene 2?

5. What is implied by Geoffrey in his scene with Pfeni when he talks of friends dying unfulfilled?

6. Explain why Pfeni and Geoffrey were first drawn to each other and crazy about each other when they met.

7. Why might Sara refuse to sing for Merv?

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

9. What is the significance of Merv calling Sara by the name Sadie?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Middle age is an important element to the play. Pfeni and her sisters are all circling that particular juncture of life. Discuss the importance of the middle age years in relation to the characters. Specifically, discuss Merv's reference to his wife dying just as she was coming into her own. How might that idea (fear of death at middle age) impact the decisions and choices each sister is making?

Essay Topic 3

What is the nature of the relationships between mothers and daughters? Though the three sisters' mother, Rita, is unseen in this play, enough hints and revelations are offered that we know a bit about her and her relationship with Pfeni, Gorgeous, and Sara. In addition, Sara and Tess have a relationship very much present in the play.

1) Offer a statement about the relationship between mothers and daughters as depicted in this play.

2) Using the sisters and Tess and Sara, offer evidence for this view of the nature of mothers and daughters.

(see the answer keys)

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