|Name: _________________________||Period: ___________________|
This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What is Laurel's news?
2. About what is Laurel upset?
3. How much time has passed since the last scene?
4. What is Ed reading?
5. Why does Laurel want Arnold and Alan to rise?
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:
1. The title of this scene is "Fugue in a Nursery, Codetta." Define the word "codetta" as it applies to music.
2. How do you think a codetta applies to this scene?
3. What do you think the dominant theme of this scene is? Does this relate to the idea of a codetta?
4. If you were a musician, what type of music would you use in this scene (jazz, classical, rock, heavy metal, rap, etc...) Why?
Essay Topic 2
In "Fugue in a Nursery, Subject," the author reveals the relevance of the title of this section of the trilogy in this scene by showcasing the style of a fugue in the dialog of the characters. 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 "fugue," as it applies to a musical composition.
2. Discuss how you think a fugue is relevant to how the action in this scene is carried out.
3. Do you think this style is effective for this scene?
4. Define the term "fugue," as it applies to a state of mind. Is this definition relevant to the action of the scene. Why or why not? Give examples.
Essay Topic 3
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?
This section contains 589 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)