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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Ironic about Alice's refusal?
(a) She initially refuses Tony's proposal on the grounds that her own family will not be accepted in Tony's world.
(b) She will meet her future husband at work.
(c) Her family is so understanding and loving.
(d) Tony will be the love of her life, if she would only go on a date with him.

2. From where does the patriarch of this zany family come home?
(a) Attending a commencement ceremony.
(b) The basement making fireworks.
(c) Work at a bank.
(d) Selling candy.

3. On what does Penny comment?
(a) Alice's makeup.
(b) Alice's new shoes.
(c) Alice's huge smile.
(d) The new dress Alice is wearing.

4. Why does Alice say about everything in the world?
(a) It is disgusting.
(b) It is dirty.
(c) It is beautiful.
(d) It is sad.

5. What do Alice and Tony declare?
(a) Their desire to run away together.
(b) The end of their relationship.
(c) Their love for one another.
(d) Their desire for independence.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Essie Carmichael making candy?

2. How does Alice feel about her family?

3. What might be some of the unusual noises heard throughout the apartment?

4. Who is the patriarch of this zany family?

5. What does Penny do when the doorbell rings?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Essie respond to Ed's uncertainty? What does this say about Essie's character?

2. How does Grandpa challenge Mr. Henderson? How does Mr. Henderson handle this? With whom is the audience more likely to side, Grandpa or Mr. Henderson? Why?

3. What has this embarrassing incident done to Alice? How would you feel, if you were Alice?

4. Describe Rheba and her actions in this scene. Why do the playwrights say she is African American? Could someone who is not African American play this role?

5. How does the family respond to this crisis? How does this prolong the hilarity of this scene for the audience?

6. Who is Essie Carmichael? What is she doing in this scene? How does she fit seamlessly into the Sycamore family?

7. What is Grandpa's philosophy on life? How does this relate to the title of the play?

8. How is Alice different from the rest of the family? Describe the interaction between Alice and the rest of the family.

9. What is ironic about Alice?

10. What does Alice say to Tony, regarding their relationship? Why does she say this? What assumptions is she making?

(see the answer keys)

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