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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 is Alan's response to Arnold's declaration?

2. What is Ed's solution to his conflict?

3. What style is the dialogue in this scene?

4. What is the setting at the opening of the play?

5. How does Arnold feel about the possible visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ed think his parents feel about homosexuality and how does that figure into his dating Laurel?

2. What might be a couple reasons why Laurel's plan is not successful?

3. What is Arthur going to do onstage?

4. Describe a little about Alan and also the relationship between Alan and Arnold.

5. How does Arthur's monologue reflect an underlying optimism or hope?

6. What happens when Arnold gets Ed on the phone?

7. What does Arnold reveal in his one-sided dialogue?

8. Is it wise for Arnold to both accept an invitation to visit Ed and Laurel and to take Alan along?

9. How do each of the men (Ed and Arnold) feel about the possibility of a renewed relationship?

10. Why do you think the author uses the word "Stretto" again in naming this scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Discuss the similarities and differences of the themes among the three plays.

2. Write a possible scene that takes place a year later.

3. Choose one character and follow his/her development and growth (or lack of growth).

Essay Topic 2

In "Fugue in a Nursery, Coda," several things are revealed: Laurel leaves Ed; Ed justifies sex with Alan, and Alan and Arnold commit to a permanent relationship. Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Trace the development and the ups and downs of Arnold and Ed's relationship. Evaluate the various phases of their relationship and give your opinions and evaluation of the relationship.

2. The men seem to think of the sexual liaison between Alan and Arnold as basic human frailties, while Laurel seems to view it as a serious hindrance to Ed and her relationship. Discuss the stereotyped differences between men and women's attitudes toward sex, monogamy and intimacy; then comment about whether you think these stereotypes are more or less accurate in reality.

3. Alan and Arnold seem to work out their relationship (at least for now) despite Alan's infidelity; whereas, Ed and Laurel are having a rougher time getting past Ed's infidelity. In evaluting both couples' relationships as revealed throughout the entire trilogy, discuss what are the signs and foreshadowing that the two couples would resolve the problem in the way that they did. Which couple do you think was the wiser? Healthier? Had a stronger desire to be together?

Essay Topic 3

In "Fugue in a Nursery: Prologue," it is obvious that Laurel and Ed end up together. Discuss one of the following topics in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Compare and contrast the way a heterosexual versus a homosexual relationship might be different in the day to day living of it.

2. Discuss how the lack of legal rights may help or hinder a gay relationship. Should homosexual relationships enjoy the benefits of legality? Why or why not.

3. Compare and contrast the attitude towards homosexuals in the early sixties with the attitudes in the first decade of the 21st century.

(see the answer keys)

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