Arsenic and Old Lace

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Act I

Reading Check

1. Whom does Teddy believe himself to be?

2. Where does Mortimer plan to take Elaine after his proposal?

3. What is Mortimer searching for when he mistakenly discovers the dead body in the window seat?

4. Who does Mortimer believe is responsible for the man’s death?

5. How do Abby and Martha murder their victims?

6. Who arrives at Abby and Martha’s house after Mortimer leaves?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least one complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Reverend Harper describe the Brewster sisters?

2. Why does Teddy dig in the cellar for the Brewster sisters?

3. Why do the Brewster sisters kill, and how are their killings related to the play’s theme of The Absurd Comedy of Contradictions?

Paired Resource

“Theodore Roosevelt”

• This article describes the life of Theodore Roosevelt.
• What are some of Theodore Roosevelt’s characteristics? What changes did Teddy make to American culture? How is Teddy’s life related to the play’s themes of Family Loyalty Versus Independence and The Absurd Comedy of Contradictions?

The Panama Canal

• This 6-minute video describes the construction of the Panama Canal.
• What is the Panama Canal? Why was it built? Why was there great difficulty constructing the Panama Canal? Who built the Panama Canal? How are the references to the Panama Canal related to the play’s theme of The Absurd Comedy of Contradictions?

Act II

Reading Check

1. Where has Jonathan been living for the last five years?

2. Where does Einstein go while the Brewster sisters are talking to Jonathan?

3. What fever do the Brewster sisters claim has killed the victims of their elderberry wine?

4. Who attacks Elaine when she returns to the Brewster house?

5. What does Einstein find in the Panama Canal while attempting to bury Mr. Spenalzo?

6. Who adds to the confusion of the Brewster household by discussing his play with Mortimer?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least one complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Mortimer decide it is best if he does not marry Elaine?

2. What does Mortimer think happened when he spots Mr. Spenalzo in the window seat?

3. What does the Brewster sisters’ revelation about the number of bodies they have in the cellar inspire Jonathan to do?

4. What is the Brewster sisters’ attitude toward the gentlemen buried in their basement?

Paired Resource

“A Genetic Predisposition for Crime”

• This 5-minute video takes a humorous look at the gene most responsible for criminal activity.
• According to the speaker, what gene is responsible for criminal behavior? What happens to life expectancy when this gene is present? What is Professor Jones’s conclusion about the genetic likelihood of committing crimes?

“Boris Karloff”

• This article describes who Boris Karloff is, his acting career, and his role in Arsenic and Old Lace.
• What role is Boris Karloff best known for? What does Boris Karloff’s role indicate about Jonathan’s appearance? What role did Boris Karloff play on Broadway? How does his role add to the comedic value of Arsenic and Old Lace?

Act III

Reading Check

1. Who does Mortimer plan to frame for the murders the Brewster sisters committed?

2. What do the Brewster sisters plan to do if Mr. Spenalzo is still in the house in the morning?

3. Why does Teddy refuse to sign the commitment papers?

4. What method does an enraged Jonathan plan to use on Mortimer?

5. Why does police officer O’Hara interrupt Jonathan as he attempts to attack Mortimer?

6. Who frees Mortimer after he has spent the entire evening tied up?

7. Who is the Superintendent of Happy Dale?

8. Posing as the presidential aide, how does Mortimer convince Teddy to leave with the Superintendent of Happy Dale?

9. What do the sisters offer the Superintendent at the end of the play?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Jonathan explain to O’Hara that Mortimer has been tied to a chair? Why does it backfire?

2. How is Jonathan apprehended by the police?

3. Who is Dr. Einstein?

4. What is the final secret the aunts share with Mortimer before they leave for Happy Dale? What is Mortimer’s reaction to the news?

Recommended Next Reads 

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

• This play is about an English gentleman who invents an alias to maintain his reputation as a guardian to a young heiress.
• Shared topics include comedy, identity, and family.
• Shared themes include Family Loyalty Versus Independence, The Absurd Comedy of Contradictions, and The Endurance and Risks of Love.
• The Importance of Being Earnest on SuperSummary

The Odd Couple by Neil Simon

• This play is about two men who have recently separated from their wives and decide to move in together.
• Shared topics include comedy, family conflicts, and unusual family dynamics.
• Shared themes include Family Loyalty Versus Independence and The Absurd Comedy of Contradictions.
• The Odd Couple on SuperSummary