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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the author seem to be revealing in this scene?

2. Who discuss a similar subject of that between Ed and Laurel?

3. How does David respond to Arnold telling him that Arnold still intends to adopt David?

4. Upon what do all four characters on stage agree?

5. What does Mrs. Beckoff believe at first about David when David arrives?

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 "Fugue in a Nursery, Nursery: A Fugue," the action takes place in a huge bed in which Arnold, Alan, Laurel, and Ed all sit or recline depending on the action. The stage lights focus only on the characters that are speaking at the time, a staging element that eliminates the need for scenery. The characters stay in the bed even though they could be at completely different locations throughout the act. Discuss one of the following topics in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. How effective do you think this type of staging is?

2. If you were a director, how would you direct this type of staging?

3. Do you think this scene is staged this way solely to eliminate the need for scenery? What other reason might the author have for setting the stage this way?

4. Do you think an author should give any, many, or all the stage directions for a play s/he writes? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Many times during the era when this play is written, and even now in the first decade of the 21st century, the stereotype of homosexuals, especially male homosexuals, was that they were promiscuous and both unwilling and unable to commit in a loving, monogamous relationship. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Do you believe the characters in this play exhibit the stereotype discussed above? Support your answer with specific details from the text.

2. How do you think stereotypes are developed? Name several stereotypes you know about several groups or types of people. How accurate do you think those stereotypes are? Which of the stereotypes which you discussed in number 2 do you believe are true? Which do not seem to be true? Explain your answer.

3. Do you belong to a group for which there are stereotypes? How does that make you feel?

4. If you do not belong to a group which tend to be stereotyped, think of some negative characteristic or trait and pretend it is a stereotype for a group to which you belong (gender, race, age, etc.) How would you feel if everyone you met assumed you possessed that characteristic even before the person got to know you?

(see the answer keys)

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