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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 has taken Ed by surprise?

2. What is Arnold talking about with the other person?

3. What revelation from Ed hurts Arnold's feelings?

4. Where is the person with whom Arnold converses?

5. How much time has passed since scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. Upon what do the two couples seem to agree?

2. What musical term is used in this scene and explain why it is used.

3. What do Arnold and Alan decide about their relationship?

4. When scene 3 opens, who is on the stage and what is he doing?

5. What evidence is there that Arnold is not a regular in the back room of the International Bar?

6. Why does Ed come to the theatre and what happens at the beginning of the conversation?

7. When and why is Laurel visiting Arnold?

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

9. Describe Ed and David's interaction on the park bench.

10. Explain why Laurel invited Arnold for the weekend and whether her plan is successful.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the scene titled, "Fugue in a Nursery, Counter Subject," Arnold and Alan are resistant to joining Ed and Laurel in their "normal" Sunday routine. 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 how the term "Counter Subject" is used in musical compositions (particularly in the musical composition of a fugue) and how it is applicable to the action of this scene. Be sure to use specific examples and details.

2. Using the entire play as a source of material, outline Laurel's actions and manipulations, both implied and explicit, and discuss whether she has been successful and appropriate in her behavior.

3. Discuss the commonalities among all the main characters, (Arnold, Alan, Ed, and Laurel) as to their wants and needs as human beings in relationship. Can their needs/desires be universal to all humans? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

In the first "Fugue in a Nursery, Stretto," the author continues to craft the piece metaphorically as a musical fugue, in which the term stretto is used in this scene. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Define the term "stretto" in terms of musical composition.

2. Briefly discuss how you think this term is appropriate to the action in this scene.

3. Do you as a reader and/or audience member think the extended metaphor in which the author engages in naming some of the acts is appropriate? What about if one has no musical knowledge?

4. What is most effective and least effective in how the author frames this play around the organization of a fugue?

Essay Topic 3

In "Fugue in a Nursery, Subject," in a conversation between Ed and Laurel, Ed restates his jealousy of Alan and the resentment of Alan's presence in Arnold's life and at the house this weekend. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Do you think it is fair for Ed to feel jealous of Arnold having Alan when Ed left Arnold for Laurel? Explain your opinion.

2. There is a saying that "one cannot help how s/he feels." Give your response to this statement, using examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Do you think Arnold is jealous of Laurel? Why or why not?

4. Even if a person cannot help how s/he feels, the person can control how s/he acts upon those feelings. Do you believe this statement is true? Why or why not? Give specific details to support your statements.

(see the answer keys)

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