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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. Where does Stanley go?

2. What does Blanche pull out to wear?

3. Where does Blanche say she is going, hence the packing of her trunk?

4. Where did Stanley find out Blanche was carrying on illicit affairs?

5. What does Blanche realize when she steps out of the bath?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mitch turn down a drink from Blanche?

2. Why does Blanche tell Stella not to light the candles on the birthday cake?

3. How does Stanley explain his ethnic background to Blanche?

4. Why does Stanley think Mitch will not come to Blanche's birthday party?

5. Why is Stella afraid for Blanche as she realizes that Blanche's past has caught up with her?

6. How does Stanley break down Blanche's fantasy?

7. How does Blanche explain her fear of being seen in the light?

8. What else does Stanley reveal about Blanche in regards to her reputation in Laurel?

9. What does Blanche put on as she pulls her trunk into the center of the bedroom?

10. Why does Stanley come home, leaving Stella at the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Stanley tells Stella at one point that everything will be better once the baby is born and Blanche is gone. Do you think this is the truth? Why or why not? Do you think Stanley believes what he says? Why or why not? Was Blanche really the cause of their problems or was she just a convenient excuse? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The setting of Elysian Fields seems to be a depressing one. Give three examples of things that surround Elysian Fields that add to its feeling of depravity and gloom. Do you think that a change of setting would have changed the story? Why or why not? How does the setting affect each of the four main characters?

Essay Topic 3

Mitch is an interesting character from the start. He doesn't seem to be like the others, and yet, he doesn't really seem to have a grip on his life or his future. Why do you think Mitch falls for Blanche? Why do you think he can't get past her sordid past? Would these two have made a good couple? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 642 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample