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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. Since "The Time Element" had already appeared on the "Desilu Playhouse," what was Serling required to do?

2. Why does the main character in this story attempt suicide?

3. Who was put in charge of the new series?

4. When did the Serlings move to Binghamton, New York?

5. Eventually, "The Time Element" would end up as _______________ the pilot episode of "The Twilight Zone."

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Rod want to be the show's producer? Who becomes the producer? Why?

2. What does the psychiatrist do after being shook up by his session with Pete Jenson? What does the psychiatrist learn?

3. What was Houghton's biggest concern for filming "The Lonely?"

4. What did Rod do after being discharged from the Army?

5. Describe "Walking Distance."

6. Why was Serling able to break into television?

7. What does Serling do over the next nine months?

8. What were the contractual agreements made by Serling?

9. How was "Playhouse 90" a negative experience?

10. Why does Houghton refer to "Walking Distance" as one of the best shows created in "The Twilight Zone?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

the show greatly affected Serling.

Part 1) How was Serling affected by "The Twilight Zone"? How was the show affected by him?

Part 2) How did Serling's childhood, interests, and personality play into the creating of "The Twilight Zone"?

Part 3) How did this show affect others? How different might their lives have been if "The Twilight Zone" had never been created?

Essay Topic 2

"Where Is Everybody?" was originally a very different story.

Part 1) What was the original plot? Why was it changed? How was it changed?

Part 2) Do you believe it should have been changed? Why or why not?

Part 3) Would the original script be aired today? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Serling acted as "The Twilight Zone" narrator.

Part 1) How did he acquire this job? Why was he given this job?

Part 2) What did he think about this job? Why? How does this compare to his personality?

Part 3) What did others think of him as the narrator? Why did they feel this way?

Part 4) How has Serling's narration become significant for this television series? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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